Unlike most developed countries, the US does not have universal healthcare. Nearly all European countries have a universal health care system. Some call it the "free health care" system. In reality, it's not. Relative to the size of its economy, the U.S. spends a much greater amount on health care. In fact, the United States had the highest per capita health expenditure among OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries. In 2019, the per capita health expenditure in the U.S. amounted to 10,949 U.S. In 2020, the total national healthcare expenditure was $3.6 trillion. Life expectancy in the U.S. increased from 1980-2019 but decreased from its all-time high of 78.9 years after 2014. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that there are increases in the overall percentage of US adults with multiple chronic conditions, as well as variation by population subgroups. In 2018, 51.8% (129 million) of civilian, noninstitutionalized adults had been diagnosed with at least 1 of 10 selected chronic conditions - 24.6% (61 million) of adults had 1 chronic condition, and 27.2% (68 million) had ≥2 chronic conditions. So, the high spending has not translated into health. To better understand the system, it is imperative that we understand its history. In Episode 1 we take a deep dive into the history of US healthcare.
Mar 18 202322 m
Mar 18 20233 m