U.S. Healthcare System Ranks Last Among Wealthy Countries

A recent report reveals that the United States possesses the most inadequate healthcare system among leading wealthy nations.

According to The Commonwealth Fund’s latest annual report, “Mirror, Mirror 2024: A Portrait of the Failing U.S. Health System,” individuals in the United States experience the shortest lifespans and lead the unhealthiest lives when compared to populations in nine other developed countries. Yet, the U.S. leads these nations in healthcare spending.

The report ranks Australia, the Netherlands, and Britain as the top three countries regarding the effectiveness of their healthcare systems.

Reginald Williams II, vice president of international health policy at The Commonwealth Fund, pointed out that “while other nations have successfully met their populations’ health needs, the U.S. health system continues to lag significantly.”

In preparation for the report, researchers assessed various healthcare systems through 70 specific metrics spanning five performance areas. The countries evaluated alongside the United States included Canada, France, Germany, New Zealand, Sweden, and Switzerland.

The findings are alarming:

Americans endure the lowest life expectancy and face the most avoidable deaths, ranking last in five out of six health outcome measures.

Access to healthcare poses significant challenges. Approximately 25 million individuals remain uninsured, and nearly one quarter of the population cannot afford necessary medical care.

Additionally, the United States fares poorly in health equity, with many low-income individuals unable to afford care. Reports of unfair treatment and discrimination in healthcare settings are also prevalent among various demographic groups.

Administrative burdens are pronounced in the American healthcare system, where patients and doctors grapple with excessive paperwork and billing issues, resulting in efficiency rankings that only surpass Switzerland.

Despite these shortcomings, the United States did achieve one positive note in the report.

It ranked second among the evaluated countries in “care process,” which encompasses preventative measures, safety, and patient engagement. Researchers credited the Affordable Care Act’s focus on patient safety and preventive services with this relatively high ranking.

Dr. Joseph Betancourt, president of The Commonwealth Fund, expressed concern over the country’s healthcare performance, stating, “The U.S. is failing one of its principal obligations as a nation: to protect the health and welfare of its people.”

He added, “The status quo—continuously spending the most and receiving the least in return—is not sustainable. The issue is not the lack of resources but rather how those resources are allocated. Too many Americans are living shorter, sicker lives because of this failure.”

The report outlines several strategies that could help the U.S. improve its healthcare system to better align with top-performing nations:

First, extending coverage to the remaining uninsured and reforming health insurance could significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Second, investing in primary care providers could ensure that patients have better access to essential services.

Third, addressing health inequities affecting minority and ethnic groups, rural residents, and women is critical for system improvement.

Fourth, controlling the excessive consolidation of healthcare systems can help stabilize and lower prices in the market.

Lastly, addressing social determinants of health, such as poverty, homelessness, hunger, gun violence, and substance use, could lead to improved health outcomes.

Williams shares an optimistic outlook, stating, “This report shows that by adopting proven strategies and making smart investments, America can enhance its health system to better meet the needs of its people. There’s no reason we can’t elevate our standing if we choose to do so.”

Source: The Commonwealth Fund