Why Other Countries’ Universal Healthcare Systems Outshine the U.S.

The discussion around healthcare often centers on the perceived superiority of systems in other countries with universal healthcare coverage. Many argue that such systems can provide better medical care at a fraction of the cost compared to the U.S. It is not just a belief; it is a well-documented and evidenced fact. This article aims to explore the reasons behind the success of universal healthcare systems in other countries and why the U.S. stands out in a less favorable light.

Universal Healthcare vs. For-Profit Systems

The U.S. healthcare system is a costly and for-profit model that often fails to deliver on the promise of equitable and accessible medical care. According to data, the U.S. spends over $4.3 trillion annually on healthcare, which is more than any other country in the world. Despite these high costs, the system is neither universal nor equitable. In fact, it operates more like a cash grab, where insurance companies prioritize profit over patient care.

Being a for-profit system, competitive health insurance requires maximizing profits, which can only be achieved by denying valid claims and avoiding the costly treatment of patients. Single-payer or universal healthcare systems, on the other hand, deliver better outcomes at significantly lower costs. For example, individuals in these systems can pay less for their healthcare and often achieve better results.

Cost and Efficiency of Universal Healthcare Systems

Consider the following: a single-payer system or universal healthcare provides materially better outcomes at less than half the cost. For instance, in a country like Canada, where a single-payer system is in place, individuals can pay less for their healthcare. Not only does this reduce monetary burden, but it also leads to improved health outcomes.

Every country with a universal healthcare system outperforms the U.S. in terms of cost and efficiency. The U.S. spends nearly $50,001 more per person than the next highest country, yet it ranks 46th in life expectancy. Comparing this to countries like Cuba, which spends $1,043 per person and ranks 45th in life expectancy, or Costa Rica, which spends $922 per person and has an average life expectancy of 3 years longer than the U.S., the contrast becomes clearer.

Another critical factor is the infant mortality rate. According to the United Nations, the U.S. has a higher infant mortality rate of 5.4 compared to countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan, Ethiopia, and Haiti. This data clearly demonstrates that the U.S. healthcare system fails to meet the basic standards of care, especially for vulnerable populations.

Comparing Developed Countries

Take any developed country, and you will find a better universal healthcare system. One of the examples is Cuba, where the healthcare outcomes are outstanding despite being a developing country. According to the WHO (World Health Organization), there are currently 36 countries with better healthcare systems than the U.S. One of these countries is Cuba, which demonstrates that the principles of universal healthcare can be achieved even in resource-constrained environments.

One of the reasons why other countries outperform the U.S. is that they prioritize public health over private profit. They invest in preventive care, early intervention, and community health programs, which reduces the overall cost of healthcare. In contrast, the U.S. system focuses more on treatment of acute and chronic conditions, leading to higher costs and poorer outcomes.

Examples and Statistics

Consider the example of Costa Rica, a developed country. Despite its lower expenditure per person on healthcare (average of $922), the country’s life expectancy is 3 years higher than that of the U.S. This is even more remarkable considering that other factors such as gun violence and obesity are not significant contributors to healthcare outcomes in Costa Rica.

Another striking example is the infant mortality rate. The U.S. ranks poorly in this metric, with a rate of 5.4 per 1000 live births. This is worse than countries like Afghanistan (5.7), Pakistan (3.8), Ethiopia (31.4), and Haiti (28.0). The U.S. is far from being a western country with the best healthcare; it is lagging behind many, if not all, of its counterparts.

Conclusion

The bottom line is that the U.S. pays more for the privilege of dying earlier, and this is not a matter of belief but a harsh reality. The high cost of the U.S. healthcare system does not translate to better care or longer life expectancy. Moreover, the system leads to medical bankruptcy, insulin-dependent diabetics dying due to lack of affordable insulin, and individuals relying on GoFundMe to pay high medical bills.

It is crucial to recognize that the structural issues within the U.S. healthcare system need to be addressed. A shift towards a universal healthcare system would not only improve health outcomes but also reduce the financial burden on individuals and the economy. Furthermore, it would reflect a more equitable and humane approach to providing healthcare for all.