US ranks last in healthcare among 11 wealthiest countries despite spending most

[Judi Lynn]

US spends 17% of GDP on healthcare but struggles with affordability and has the most administrative hurdles

Lauren Aratani
Thu 5 Aug 2021 16.40 EDT

The US is last on a ranking of healthcare systems among 11 of the wealthiest countries in the world, despite spending the highest percentage of its GDP on healthcare, according to a new report from the Commonwealth Fund.

The country struggles with deep problems in affordability of healthcare, which affects access and equity, and it is the country that has the most administrative hurdles when dealing with healthcare. This is despite the US spending 17% of its gross domestic product on healthcare, “far above” the other 10 countries, according to the report.

The other countries analyzed in the report were Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK. The ranking is based on 71 measures across five areas: access to care, care process, administrative efficiency, equity and healthcare outcomes.

The report notes that unlike the other countries in the study, the US does not provide universal healthcare coverage. Americans are more likely to have problems paying medical bills and have their insurance denied. A larger percentage of Americans say they spend a lot of time on paperwork for medical bills, and doctors report having more trouble prescribing medication for patients because of restrictive health insurance coverage.

More:
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/aug/05/us-healthcare-system-ranks-last-11-wealthiest-countries

[Bernardo de La Paz]

1. If there is way to make something societal very complicated, Americans will find it

Most complicated and expensive healthcare.

Biggest most complicated tax code as a way to hide graft instead of open subsidies.

Handling race and LGBTQ+? Most complicated cumbersome rules and regulations.


Why?

Because greed, graft, racism, bigotry, etc.

Instead of just getting on with the project of a more equal just society.

[samplegirl]

2. And they wonder why people

don’t want to work at a shit job!

[luckone]

3. Sadly it seems that is currently what the majority in the US want for healthcare . 🙁

[keithbvadu2]

4. Chart

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100215705309

U.S. health-care system ranks last among 11 high-income countries, researchers say

[keithbvadu2]

5. gets state-provided healthcare but would deny it to others

Republican gets state-provided healthcare but would deny it to others

[Uncle Joe]

6. Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for the thread Judi Lynn.

[appalachiablue]

7. K/R A disgrace & danger, thanks for posting.