Health Care Reform Research Paper

Health Care LPA

Have you ever skipped visiting the doctor for an illness because you couldn't afford the copayment or you don't have insurance? The United States struggles with fixed costs, the chargemaster, and extremely high medical bills that they can't afford to pay. "Americans are overpaying $750 billion on health care a year"(Brill). The United States should regulate a health care system where health care is accessible to everyone and keep costs low. The government may claim that this mode of health care couldn't work because taxes would be higher, however it would work because we have witnessed this mode of healthcare, healthcare for all, in other countries such as Japan, Germany, Britain, Switzerland, and Taiwan. Three reasons

"700,000 people in the United States go bankrupt every year due to medical expenses"(Sick Around America). Because people can't afford health care, they are staying in a job they are unhappy with so they can retain employer-based health insurance. Chargemaster, a huge file with listed prices of all medical services, is raising medical bills. For example, a pill of acetaminophen, a common over the counter drug commonly referred to as Tylenol, was being charged at $1.50 a pill in the hospital when you can purchase 100 pills online for $1.49.

The United States thought a successful health care system when Obamacare, also known as Affordable Care Act, was enacted. Obamacare led to unfortunate side effects such as high cost medical bills and unnecessary tests and labs. "60% of all labs are unnecessary"(Brill). Costs associated with high technology tests are very likely to accelerate, which means Americans medical bills are highly likely to increase. Higher prices means Americans will most likely not receive the proper medical treatment they need to improve their overall

"Congress has prohibited Medicare and Medicaid from negotiating costs with drug companies"(Brill). Medicare has to determine the average sales price and add 6%, which will reveal the drug price that it will cover. The impact of people going to the doctor too much will mean Medicare has less money to spend on peoples bills that have a more severe financial problem. Medicare and Medicaid show a trend of covering the majority of patients medical bills, although this is still keeping taxes and Premiums high.

We as Americans should support overall health care. "700,000 Americans go bankrupt every year due to medical expenses"(Brill). The United States should regulate a health care system where all Americans have access to health care while maintaining low costs. Three reasons that were discussed were high medical bills, unnecessary tests medical providers order, and the issues with Medicare and Medicaid. So before we skip going to the doctor for an illness, lets take action and support health care for all so we all get the proper care we deserve as an American of the United