The US Health Care System and Lagging Life Expectancy: A Case Study http://repository.upenn.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1010&context=psc_working_papers —This was the proposal from week one For your Initial Proposal, you will address the concerns presented in your selected case study from Week One and give recommendations for improvement. Utilize one of the following sample proposals to draft your Initial Proposal: Your Initial Proposal must include the following components:
Introduction
The US health care system is a complex network of private and public entities that provide medical services to its citizens. Despite having one of the highest health care expenditures in the world, the United States consistently lags behind other developed countries in terms of life expectancy. This case study aims to analyze the factors contributing to the discrepancy between the US health care system and its lagging life expectancy and provide recommendations for improvement.
Background
The United States spends more on health care per capita than any other country in the world, yet its life expectancy is lower compared to many other developed nations. In 2018, the US spent approximately $11,000 per person on health care, accounting for about 17.7% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (World Bank, 2020). Despite this substantial investment, the country’s life expectancy lags far behind other developed nations. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the US ranked 43rd globally in life expectancy in 2019 (WHO, 2020).
Factors Contributing to Lagging Life Expectancy
Various factors contribute to the lagging life expectancy in the US, including:
1. Inadequate Access to Health Care: Despite high health care spending, a significant proportion of the US population remains uninsured or underinsured. Access to health care is limited, particularly for low-income individuals and those in rural areas. This lack of access to timely and appropriate care can lead to delayed diagnoses, suboptimal treatment, and poor health outcomes.
2. Fragmented and Decentralized System: The US health care system is highly fragmented, with multiple payers and providers. This fragmentation often leads to inefficiencies, duplicated services, and lack of coordination among different health care entities. Such fragmentation limits the ability to implement effective population health strategies and hampers the delivery of comprehensive and coordinated care.
3. High Costs and Lack of Price Transparency: The cost of health care in the US is significantly higher than in other countries. This exorbitant cost prevents many individuals from seeking necessary care, leading to delayed intervention and worse health outcomes. Moreover, the lack of price transparency makes it difficult for patients to make informed decisions regarding their health care choices and hinders competition within the health care market.
4. Inequities in Social Determinants of Health: Social determinants of health, including income, education, and race, play a crucial role in determining an individual’s health outcomes. Unfortunately, these social determinants are often unequally distributed in the US, resulting in health inequities. Disadvantaged populations, such as racial and ethnic minorities, face barriers to accessing health care and experience higher rates of chronic diseases, contributing to the lower life expectancy observed in these groups.
Recommendations for Improvement
To address the issues contributing to the lagging life expectancy in the US, several recommendations can be considered:
1. Universal Health Coverage: Implementing a universal health coverage system would ensure that all individuals have access to necessary health care services. This would require expanding Medicaid eligibility, establishing a public option for health insurance, and promoting affordability through subsidies and cost containment measures.
2. Integration and Coordination of Care: Enhancing coordination and integration among health care providers can improve the quality and efficiency of care delivery. This can be achieved through increased adoption of health information technology, accountable care organizations, and care coordination models that promote collaboration among different providers.
3. Price Transparency and Cost Containment: Implementing policies to increase price transparency and control health care costs is crucial. Initiatives such as requiring providers to disclose prices for common procedures and promoting competition among insurers can help drive down costs and enable patients to make informed decisions about their care.
4. Addressing Health Inequities: Efforts should be made to address the social determinants of health and reduce health inequities. This can be accomplished through targeted interventions, such as expanding access to education and job opportunities, implementing anti-discrimination policies, and investing in communities with the highest health disparities.
Conclusion
Addressing the challenges faced by the US health care system and improving life expectancy requires a comprehensive approach. By addressing the factors contributing to lagging life expectancy and implementing the recommended improvements, the US can strive towards a more equitable and efficient health care system that promotes better health outcomes for all its citizens.