Why Is the United States Healthcare System So Bad? 20 Facts That Explain It All
The healthcare system in the USA is known to be pretty bad. We rank 37th in the world by the World Health Organization. But WHY is it bad? Well, buckle up, because it's a wild ride of absurdity and disappointment. Think of it as a dark comedy where the joke's on you (if you're an American). From bankruptcy-inducing medical bills to prescription drugs that cost as much as a small car, we've got it all. Let's delve into 20 facts that answer the question, "Why is the United States healthcare system so bad?"
1. Medical Bills Are the #1 Cause of Bankruptcy in the U.S.
Bankruptcy and healthcare go hand in hand in America. Medical expenses are the leading cause of personal bankruptcy, making the "American Dream" look more like a financial nightmare.
2. Americans Pay Up to 10 Times More for Prescription Drugs
Big Pharma has its claws deep in American wallets. Prescription drugs cost a fortune, and it's not because they're sprinkled with gold. It's pure, unadulterated greed.
3. 25% of Healthcare Costs Go to Administrative Expenses
A quarter of healthcare costs are spent on administrative nonsense. That's right, your hard-earned money is going to paperwork, not your well-being.
4. Average Healthcare CEO Salary Is Around $16 Million
While you're pinching pennies to afford basic healthcare, CEOs are swimming in millions. It's capitalism at its finest, folks.
5. Over 28 Million Americans Are Uninsured
Millions are left to fend for themselves in the healthcare jungle. No insurance means no care, and in America, that's just business as usual.
6. An ER Visit Can Cost as Much as a Month's Rent
Emergency rooms are the VIP clubs of healthcare—expensive and exclusive. You better have deep pockets if you plan on having an emergency.
7. Ambulance Rides Can Cost Over $2,000
Ambulances are the Ubers of despair. For $2,000, you'd expect a ride to another dimension, not just the hospital. Here's more on their sage logic for the price gouging.
8. The U.S. Has the Highest Cost of Childbirth Among Developed Nations
Giving birth in America is like buying a luxury car, but with more screaming. And the optional epidural? That's your leather seats.
9. Insulin Prices Have Tripled in the Last Decade
Insulin, a life-saving necessity, is priced like a luxury item. Because why not make a killing off people's suffering?
10. 1 in 4 Adults Skipped Medical Care Due to Cost
Healthcare is a game of Russian roulette for one in four adults. They skip medical care because even a simple check-up can break the bank.
11. Some Hospitals Mark Up Prices by More Than 1,000%
Hospitals are the retail stores of despair, marking up prices like it's Black Friday every day. Only here, the deals can cost you your life.
12. The Healthcare Industry Spent $568 Million on Lobbying in 2020
Lobbying is the healthcare industry's favorite sport, and they're Olympic champions at it. With over half a billion spent, they've got politicians eating out of their hands.
13. 1 in 4 Americans Avoid the Dentist Due to Cost
Dental care is a luxury in America. Forget the pearly whites; you'll be lucky to have teeth at all.
14. Mental Health Services Are Often Not Covered by Insurance
Mental health is the red-headed stepchild of healthcare. Insurance companies often don't cover it, because why care about what's in your head?
15. Over 120 Rural Hospitals Have Closed Since 2010
Rural America is becoming a healthcare wasteland. Hospitals are closing, and people are left with the choice of suffering or traveling miles for basic care.
16. A Single Surgery Can Cost More Than a New Car
Need surgery? You might as well sell your car because you're going to need that money. And no, they don't offer trade-ins.
17. Big Pharma Pushed Opioids, Leading to Over 500,000 Deaths
The opioid crisis is Big Pharma's darkest legacy. They pushed pills like candy and left a trail of bodies in their wake.
18. Telehealth Is Often Not Covered by Insurance
Telehealth could be the future, but insurance companies are stuck in the past. They often don't cover it, because why make life easier?
19. Insurers Can Deny Coverage for Pre-existing Conditions
Got a pre-existing condition? You're the perfect excuse for insurance companies to deny coverage. It's discrimination with a smile.
20. Despite High Costs, the U.S. Ranks Last in Healthcare Quality Among Developed Nations
America spends a fortune on healthcare but ranks last in quality. It's like paying for a five-star meal and getting food poisoning.
