A recent poll shows that 23% of Americans think the U.S. healthcare system is in crisis, while 47% see it as having major issues. The rising costs of healthcare are a big worry, with 29% of respondents saying that cost is the most urgent issue affecting health in the country. Experts like Emma Wager from KFF explain that healthcare spending can be unpredictable, adding to the anxiety many feel.
As people live longer, they require more expensive care. Wager points out that most healthcare spending goes to those aged 55 and older. Inflation also makes things trickier. Costs keep rising, adding pressure on families.
Timothy Lash from West Health emphasizes that rising healthcare costs have real consequences. They don’t just affect financial stability; they also hurt people’s health. Stress from financial worries can lead to poor health outcomes, such as high blood pressure. Many are skipping necessary treatments because they can’t afford them. A Gallup survey found that one in five adults knows someone who couldn’t afford a prescription.
The effects of high costs differ by region. In Mississippi, nearly half of respondents said a family member delayed treatment because of expense, compared to fewer people in states like Iowa. This disparity is alarming for policymakers.
The pandemic has made mental health a growing concern, and there’s a strong link between unaffordable healthcare and mental health outcomes. David Radley from the Commonwealth Fund noticed that those who struggle with mental health often can’t afford to see a doctor. This creates a “feedback loop,” where worsening mental health makes care even harder to access.
Radley points out that while preventive physical care is typically covered, mental health services often aren’t. As a result, many pay out of pocket, creating an extra barrier to care. Dr. Lisa Rosenthal from Northwestern University stresses that mental and physical health are connected. She believes integrating mental health screening into primary care could reduce overall costs and improve access.
Ultimately, the current state of the healthcare system emphasizes the urgent need for reform. It’s a tricky challenge, but many believe we can create a system that works better for everyone. For further exploration, you can check out more insights from the Gallup poll and the Commonwealth Fund’s survey.
