The aftermath: A secondary analysis of OECD countries’ healthcare system responses to COVID-19

Abstract

Several proponents believe a universal healthcare system might have allowed the United States to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic more effectively, potentially leading to less devastating outcomes. Yet, comprehensive studies assessing this assertion on an international scale across multiple pandemic phases are sparse. This study evaluates the COVID-19 response efficacy in OECD countries, contrasting single-payer with multiple-payer healthcare frameworks. Data from different pandemic phases through to October 2023, suggest a single-payer system correlate with reduced death rates, diminished excess mortality, and overall lower cumulative excess mortality. Notably, among the high-income OECD nations, the U.S. ranks lowest in pandemic response. Such findings underscore the significant impact of disparities in healthcare access. Essentially, these inequities can debilitate a healthcare infrastructure to the extent that it lags nations with similar socio-economic, demographic, and health profiles.