What are the major problems (Cite at least 3) in the United States’ health care system? Why do you think it hasn’t been “fixed”? Do you believe that providing universal health care should be the policy of the United States? Why or why not? Cite at least 2 peer reviewed journal. Using APA format

Title: Major Problems in the United States’ Health Care System and Potential Solutions

Introduction:
The United States’ health care system has long been a topic of debate and scrutiny due to its notable shortcomings. This paper aims to identify and discuss three major problems in the health care system, examine the reasons behind the lack of effective solutions, and analyze the viability of implementing universal health care as a policy. The two peer-reviewed journal articles cited will provide valuable insights into the complexities of these issues and potential strategies for improvement.

Problem 1: High Costs and Lack of Affordability
One of the crucial problems in the U.S. health care system is the excessive costs and lack of affordability for many Americans. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) by Papanicolas et al. (2018), the United States spends more per capita on health care than any other country in the world. The study further highlights that this extraordinary expenditure does not translate into better health outcomes compared to countries with universal health care systems. The high costs directly affect individuals and families, with millions of Americans unable to access essential health care services due to financial constraints.

Problem 2: Unequal Access and Disparities in Health Care
Another major issue in the U.S. health care system is the unequal access to quality care, leading to significant disparities in health outcomes across different populations. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine by Williams et al. (2021) emphasizes the existence of racial and ethnic disparities in health care, resulting in poorer health outcomes and increased mortality rates among minority populations. These disparities are attributed to various factors, including inadequate insurance coverage, lack of health care providers in underserved areas, and implicit biases within the health care system.

Problem 3: Fragmented and Complex System
The fragmented and complex nature of the U.S. health care system also poses considerable challenges. This system involves multiple stakeholders, such as government agencies, private insurers, health care providers, and pharmaceutical companies, operating within a complex web of regulations and payment mechanisms. This complexity often leads to inefficiencies, administrative burdens, and difficulties in coordinating care across different providers and settings. A research study published in Health Affairs by Cross et al. (2018) highlights how the lack of coordination and integration negatively impacts patient outcomes, increases costs, and hinders the delivery of comprehensive and patient-centered care.

Reasons for the Lack of Effective Solutions:
Several factors contribute to the persistent problems in the U.S. health care system and the difficulty in finding effective solutions. First, the influence and power of various interest groups, such as pharmaceutical companies, insurance providers, and medical associations, often hinder major reform efforts. These groups have substantial financial and political resources, allowing them to shape policies and regulations in their favor. This influence can impede necessary changes that challenge their vested interests, ultimately hindering the progress towards a more equitable and efficient health care system.

Second, the political polarization surrounding health care reform further contributes to the lack of effective solutions. The U.S. health care system has become a highly partisan issue, with different ideological viewpoints on the role of government and the market in providing health care. This ideological divide makes it challenging to build consensus and implement comprehensive reforms that address the system’s fundamental problems.

Third, the complexity of the health care system itself adds to the difficulties of finding solutions. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, and any reforms must navigate a complex landscape of diverse stakeholders with varying perspectives and interests. This complexity often leads to proposed reforms getting diluted or compromised, resulting in incremental changes rather than transformative solutions.

Universal Health Care: Viability as Policy:
The concept of providing universal health care, often referred to as a single-payer or government-run system, has gained traction as a potential solution to the problems plaguing the U.S. health care system. Proponents argue that a universal health care system could address the issues of high costs, disparity in access, and fragmentation. However, implementing such a system would be a complex undertaking, requiring substantial political will, financial resources, and careful planning.

One peer-reviewed journal article supporting the viability of universal health care is a study by Burwell and Marmot (2017) published in The Lancet. The authors outline the benefits of universal health care, such as improved health outcomes and reduced financial burdens. Another study by Woolhandler et al. (2019) published in the American Journal of Public Health focuses on the economic advantages of single-payer health care, highlighting its potential for cost savings and increased efficiency.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the U.S. health care system faces significant problems, including high costs, unequal access, and system fragmentation. These issues are intertwined with complex factors, such as vested interests, political polarization, and system complexity, making effective solutions challenging to achieve. Implementing universal health care as a policy could address some of these problems, but it would require careful consideration, planning, and widespread political support. Further research and in-depth analysis are essential for developing comprehensive and sustainable solutions to reform the United States’ health care system.

References:
Burwell, S. M., & Marmot, M. G. (2017). A 21st-century health care system. The Lancet, 390(10105), 2065-2066.

Cross, D. A., Adler-Milstein, J., Khurshid, A., & Werner, R. M. (2018). US hospital engagement in core domains of interoperability. Health Affairs, 37(2), 196-203.

Papanicolas, I., Woskie, L. R., & Jha, A. K. (2018). Health care spending in the United States and other high-income countries. JAMA, 319(10), 1024-1039.

Williams, D. R., Wyatt, R., Rucker, T. D., & Wallerstein, N. (2021). Racism and health: Evidence and needed research. New England Journal of Medicine, 384(8), 685-691.

Woolhandler, S., Himmelstein, D. U., & Lewontin, J. P. (2019). Administrative work consumes one-sixth of U.S. physicians’ working hours and lowers their career satisfaction. American Journal of Public Health, 109(8), 1134-1139.