Abstract
Introduction: The United States (U.S.) incurs the highest cost for delivery of health services and spends a greater proportion of its Gross Domestic Product on health, more than any other country in the world. The U.S. also has the most convoluted health insurance process of any nation. Despite the colossal healthcare spending, U.S. residents have not manifested the best health indices or enjoyed the best healthcare outcomes. Rather, the disproportionate healthcare spending has eroded the resources available to both States and the Federal government for allocation to other vital parts of the economy. High premiums charged by insurers have also left Americans with less money to spend from their paychecks. The U.S. healthcare system has been said to be disproportionately draining its resources, weakening its economy, and limiting its ability to fulfill its most basic responsibilities to its citizens. It is, therefore, pertinent to investigate the history of the U.S. healthcare finances vis-à-vis events that have led to the prevailing trend of healthcare expenditure and the effect of the expenditure on the healthcare delivery system and healthcare indices. Purpose: This review explored the changes in the United States healthcare economy during the period spanning from 1950 till date and the effects on healthcare delivery. Conclusion: The skyrocketing U.S. healthcare expenditure is not sustainable. Its astronomical increase has not translated to proportionate health indices and quality of life of its citizens compared with other wealthy nations. Recommendation: It is recommended inter alia that the government should set up a committee that will harmonize all studies and recommendations previously made on how to cut down the astronomical and burgeoning U.S. healthcare expenditure for a concerted and consolidated action plan.
Published Version
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