The US healthcare system has been deemed the worst among 70 systems across 10 wealthy nations, including Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, according to a new report by The Commonwealth Fund. The report, titled ‘Mirror, Mirror 2024: A Portrait of the Failing US Healthy System,’ analyzed healthcare systems and compared them across various metrics. The US system ranked last overall, primarily due to its low ranking in accessibility and health care outcomes, coupled with poor scores in administrative efficiency and equity.
The report highlighted the significant challenges faced by Americans in accessing healthcare. Affordability emerged as a major barrier, with millions lacking health insurance and those with insurance facing substantial out-of-pocket costs. Compared to their counterparts in other developed countries, Americans are more likely to lack a regular doctor or health clinic and have limited options for after-hours care. The report also revealed that the US has the shortest life expectancy among the countries surveyed, with high rates of preventable deaths, notably those related to drug overdoses and gun violence.
The report emphasized the importance of learning from other countries’ healthcare systems, noting that while the US faces significant challenges, every nation has areas for improvement. The Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Germany ranked highest for healthcare access, with the Netherlands offering fully covered primary care, maternity care, and child health services. The UK’s National Health Service provides free public health care, while Germany utilizes income-based co-payments for healthcare services. Both Germany and the Netherlands require physicians to work after hours, ensuring 24/7 access to care.
The report comes as a stark reminder of the critical need for healthcare reform in the United States. With a growing number of Americans struggling to afford and access healthcare, the report calls for a comprehensive approach to address the complex issues that plague the US healthcare system.
