The US health care system ranked last overall among the top 10 countries with the most money on key issues such as equity, access to care, and outcome measures, according to a new report , Mirror, Mirror 2024: A Portrait of the Broken US Health System, by The Commonwealth Fund.1
The US ranked 10th overall in health system performance, well behind Australia, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, which were the top performers. | Image credit: MargJohnsonVA – stock.adobe.com
“The US is failing in one of its most fundamental obligations as a nation: to protect the health and well-being of its people,” said Joseph Betancourt, MD, president of The Commonwealth Fund, in a statement.2 “The status quo — we’re spending the most and getting the least of our health care dollars — is not sustainable. It’s not a lack of resources—it’s how they’re being used. Americans too many are living short, sick lives because of this failure. We need to create a health care system that’s affordable and works for everyone. It’s time to step up to this challenge.”
In this report, an evaluation of 70 health system performance measures was conducted in all 5 areas: access to care, care effectiveness, system performance, equity, and health outcomes. beauty. The report covered 10 countries: Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the US.1
The study was based on unique data gathered from international research conducted by the Commonwealth Fund in collaboration with participating countries. The study also included data from international agencies, as well as national data registries and research articles.
State of the US Health Care System
The US ranked 10th overall in health system performance, well behind Australia, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, which were the top performers.
Access to care was the lowest in the US, and the country was last due to issues such as high out-of-pocket costs and its 26 million uninsured. . On the other hand, countries such as the Netherlands and Germany excelled due to universal coverage and affordable care.
In the care efficiency category, the US ranked second, due to its focus on preventive care and patient safety, including initiatives such as Medicare’s pay-for-performance programs. However, administrative efficiency was another area of weakness, with the US ranking ninth, largely due to the complexity of its insurance system, which burdens providers and patients with denial and to appeal.
When asked at a press conference about how value-based care models can help address some of the burdens of the US health care system, Reginald D. Williams II, vice president of The Commonwealth Fund, he said. The American Journal of Managed Care®“It can add value by adding value, but it may not improve the efficiency of the system. I think that’s where the opportunity is, to think about the use of how technology can support the care of administrative action on payments.”
Equality was also poor, with the US ranked ninth due to wide disparities in access to care and reports of racial and ethnic discrimination.
Finally, in health outcomes, the US ranked 10th, with the highest rates of preventable death and a lower than average life expectancy, exacerbated by the crisis. of opioids and gun violence.
Development Methods
In order to improve its health care system, researchers believe that the US can learn from other countries by reducing financial restrictions and expanding coverage while ensuring that insurance protects against costs. high out of pocket. Simplifying the complex insurance system and investing in primary care—by improving compensation and training for providers—are also key areas of reform.
In addition, addressing the integration of health care markets and integrating relationships can help reduce costs and improve access. In addition, researchers believe that strengthening public health services is important for combating chronic diseases and responding to future emergencies. Finally, the researchers say that addressing social issues such as gun violence, drug addiction and racism, as well as expanding social safety nets, will be critical to achieving equality and improvement. health care.
“This report highlights many lessons that we can learn from others about how to strengthen our health care delivery and outcomes,” said Betancourt, during a media interview. , affordable care for all Americans.”
References
1. Blumenthal D, Gumas E, Shah A, et al. Mirror, Mirror 2024: A Portrait of the US’s Wasted Livelihoods. Commonwealth Fund; September 19, 2024. Accessed September 18, 2024. https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/fund-reports/2024/sep/mirror-mirror-2024
2. The US health care system is failing many Americans; low levels of health equity, access, and outcomes. News release. Commonwealth Fund. September 19, 2024. Accessed September 18, 2024.
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