American Consequences - September 2018

HOW DIDWE GET HERE...

THE U.S. HEALTH CARE SYSTEM: an infinite loop of tough questions & hard answers

Almost no one can agree on anything in our fractured political landscape today. But just about everyone – policymakers, providers, patients, and third- party payers alike – realize that the American health care system is in crisis.

We spend far too much. And we get far too little. For the few Rip Van Winkles out there or for those who have, like our Congress, been ululating loudly and covering your ears when the topic comes up, a few facts worth considering...

The U.S. spends roughly 18% of its GDP on health care and the number keeps rising. That translates to $10,500 for every man, woman, and child. Contrast this with other wealthy countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which spend an average of $4,100 per capita,

By Kerry D. Moynihan

20 September 2018

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