Unaffordable American Healthcare: A Troubled History from Johnson to Trump

Healthcare in the United States is a complex and ever-evolving issue. The cost of healthcare has been rising steadily for decades, and it is now a major concern for many Americans. In this article, we will explore the history of healthcare in the United States, from the passage of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965 to the present day. We will also discuss the factors that have contributed to the rising cost of healthcare, and we will offer some possible solutions to this problem.

Unaffordable: American Healthcare from Johnson to Trump

by Jonathan Engel

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	907 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	296 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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The History of Healthcare in the United States

The history of healthcare in the United States can be traced back to the colonial era. In the early days, healthcare was provided primarily by private physicians. However, as the country grew and became more industrialized, the need for a more organized system of healthcare became apparent.

In 1965, Congress passed Medicare and Medicaid, two landmark pieces of legislation that expanded access to healthcare for millions of Americans. Medicare is a health insurance program for people aged 65 and older, as well as for people with certain disabilities. Medicaid is a health insurance program for low-income Americans.

Medicare and Medicaid have been a major success in terms of expanding access to healthcare. However, they have also contributed to the rising cost of healthcare. In recent years, the cost of healthcare has risen faster than the rate of inflation. This has made it increasingly difficult for many Americans to afford the healthcare they need.

The Factors that Have Contributed to the Rising Cost of Healthcare

There are a number of factors that have contributed to the rising cost of healthcare in the United States. These factors include:

• The aging population. As the population ages, the demand for healthcare services increases. This is because older people are more likely to suffer from chronic diseases, which require expensive treatments.
• The rise of chronic diseases. The incidence of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, has been increasing in recent years. These diseases are expensive to treat, and they can also lead to disability and premature death.
• The development of new technologies. The development of new medical technologies has also contributed to the rising cost of healthcare. These technologies can be very effective, but they can also be very expensive.
• The high cost of prescription drugs. Prescription drugs are a major expense for many Americans. The cost of prescription drugs has been rising steadily in recent years, and this has made it difficult for many people to afford the medications they need.
• The high cost of administrative costs. The administrative costs of healthcare are also a major factor in the rising cost of healthcare. These costs include the cost of billing, insurance, and other paperwork.

The Impact of the Rising Cost of Healthcare

The rising cost of healthcare has had a significant impact on the lives of many Americans. Many people are now struggling to afford the healthcare they need. This is especially true for low-income Americans and people with chronic diseases.

The rising cost of healthcare has also had a negative impact on the economy. The high cost of healthcare is a drag on economic growth. It also makes it difficult for businesses to compete in the global marketplace.

Possible Solutions to the Problem of the Rising Cost of Healthcare

There are a number of possible solutions to the problem of the rising cost of healthcare. These solutions include:

• Expanding access to affordable healthcare. One way to reduce the cost of healthcare is to expand access to affordable healthcare. This can be done by expanding Medicaid, creating a public option for health insurance, and negotiating lower prices for prescription drugs.
• Reducing the cost of prescription drugs. Another way to reduce the cost of healthcare is to reduce the cost of prescription drugs. This can be done by allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices, creating a generic drug program, and importing drugs from other countries.
• Reducing the cost of administrative costs. The cost of administrative costs is a major factor in the rising cost of healthcare. This cost can be reduced by streamlining the billing process, reducing the number of insurance companies, and using electronic health records.
• Investing in prevention and wellness. One way to reduce the cost of healthcare is to invest in prevention and wellness. This can be done by promoting healthy eating, exercise, and smoking cessation.

The rising cost of healthcare is a major problem facing the United States. This problem has a significant impact on the lives of many Americans, and it is also a drag on the economy. There are a number of possible solutions to this problem, but it will require a concerted effort from all stakeholders to address this issue.

Unaffordable: American Healthcare from Johnson to Trump

by Jonathan Engel

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	907 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	296 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE