Susan G. Bornstein
The fatal shooting of a health insurance company executive exposed the deep dissatisfaction of many Americans with health insurance. Social media is full of stories of anger and frustration with a system that puts profit before people. As a retired physician, I saw the weaknesses in our system consistently fail my patients and I know full well that change is needed. Well, in 2021, I founded The Asclepius Initiative (TAI), a non-profit organization that works to raise awareness of the need for a fair and just financial system. We believe that you and your family should get care when you need it, and that care should be there for you, no matter where you live or work.
Being sick is not an option, and getting the care you need should not be a luxury. Your medical care should be decided by you and your doctor, not the applicant.
Instead, our current system punishes the sick, often withholding information and giving them nightmares about paying for the costs. By 2021, 1.5 out of every 10 households had medical debt. Today, medical expenses are still the main cause of bankruptcy.
Health care costs are high, outcomes are poor
Among the countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the US has the highest per capita health care costs, costs that can be justified if they produce good results. The US, however, has the lowest life expectancy, the highest burden of chronic disease and the highest rates of maternal and infant mortality in its peers.
We are the only high-income country that does not guarantee health care, ranking last, by far, among peer nations in health care.
While not perfect, some form of universal health coverage will bring the US into line with other countries. It would ensure that everyone can get the necessary health services without having to fight with insurance companies or develop financial problems.
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The argument for comprehensive health care coverage is not just moral; it works. A 2020 report estimated that a comprehensive system could save US $450 billion annually while preventing nearly 69,000 deaths.
Health care is a necessity
Critics of the global system often argue that it will lead to a measure or more waiting times. In fact, we already have standards for measuring and organizing logjams; they are simply disguised as gaps based on the type of coverage, the affordability of copays, deductibles and coinsurance or the availability of primary care physicians, specialists and hospitals.
Today’s national debate should force us to think about the kind of health care financing system we want. Do we continue to let private insurers, wealth and connections dictate who gets care and who doesn’t, or should we be willing to accept a model that guarantees health care as fundamental right?
At TAI, we believe that a health system that covers everyone benefits everyone. Imagine not having to check if your doctor is “in-network” or fighting to ensure your procedure will be approved.
It’s time to move beyond anger and seek real change. Universal broadcasting is not a hope – it is not a necessity. Our lives and economic future depend on it.
Do you agree or disagree?Submit a letter to the editor.
Susan G. Bornstein, MD, MPH, is an OBGYN by training. She was so frustrated by the problems many of her patients faced with cost and access to care that she went back to school to get a master’s degree in public health. In 2021, he founded The Asclepius Initiative, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Learn more at AsclepiusInitiative.org.
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