Medical Care in the United States: Understanding the Jigsaw Puzzle of Healthcare

The Complexity of Modern Medical Care

It's good but it would be better if math wasn't a thing. Modern medicine is such that even though we have all manner of miracle cures, the frustration of getting to them has replaced the frustration of not having them available. Assuming you're insured and that your insurance covers what is needed, and this is a topic that often gets more attention, the math is simultaneously basic and horrifying. For the purposes of this discussion, let's be extremely generous and assume that the wait time is equal to approximately two weeks of real time.

Jumping into the Healthcare Process

To begin the process, you first wait to see a General Practitioner (GP) who refers you to a Specialist. You then wait to see the Specialist, who orders a set of tests. You wait for the tests, then for the results, then for a follow-up to discuss those results. When these things all come together and you see the Specialist again, they order more tests and probably more appointments.

Personal Experience: An Open Blister

I think it's quite good. I have had an open blister on my left big toe for seven months. The healthcare system has probably gone over and beyond treating it. I am now down to the point where the wound is not infected, and my podiatrist plans to do a skin graft to close it tomorrow.

Quality and Cost of Healthcare in the United States

Medical care is excellent in the United States. It appears twice as expensive because people compare from earned income dollars to the percentage of earned income dedicated to a system that is tax-funded. It is critical to understand that the American healthcare system is multifaceted, with various options available based on your specific needs and financial situation.

Insurance Options and Costs

You need the best insurance the US offers or the cheapest insurance and an unexpected life event investment account. Plus, a medical care investment account that you start contributing to when you reach a point where you earn a "living wage." All of this will be roughly 9% of a living wage. On the other end of the spectrum, you can earn near the US poverty level and receive a single-payday similar to the Canadian system. The next option is the Veteran healthcare system. Then there is Medicare for those over 65. In addition, there is the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

The Affordable Care Act and Other Systems

Finally, there is a cash model. The issue is often that you have to choose a system and follow the steps to make healthcare affordable for your household. The government and information/education system often push a single-payer system for all, which would be a major undertaking with far more tax revenue needed to implement it in the first decade of its passage. This happened with the ACA as well, and as a result, this system is not widely used.

My Experience with the ACA

I do know that the ACA complemented the healthcare cost containment system I decided to use at age 20. It was the least comprehensive health insurance with steady investment percentages roughly the same as Social Security/Medicare of earned income. I was allowed to keep the 7.65% of my earned income paid into National Insurance because I handled medical care cost containment and access mostly outside the government plan.

Conclusion

It is hard for other countries to understand the United States in many ways. It is the same for many within the US as well, especially regarding healthcare. If people within the US can filter out the confusion, whatever payment system a household decides to use does provide affordable, comprehensive coverage with great access to world-class care and more medical products than other countries. Sadly, powerful people and information/education sources do not clear this up unless a person seeks complete information of all the choices and follows the steps in the system to get excellent, affordable care.