Environmental issues - Essay Example

U.S Healthcare System U.S Healthcare System A recent study by Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) found that the American health care system is costly and thus suits people with a high economic endowment. In this regard, the American health care delivers high-quality care at high costs. This implies that people with how economic power are unable to cope with the system. The high cost of running the systems makes it unsustainable at low costs. Quality care in premium and public institution is thus expensive thus making them inaccessible for average citizens.

On average, Americans use at least $7900 on health per year yet they have a lower life expectancy of 78.2 years (OECD, 2012). The amount is relatively high when compared to other developed nations. The reasons for unsustainable cost are due to pressure on health institutions that arises due to excessive admissions. The health system has not invested enough in primary care, and health promotion thus reducing preventative measures.The high cost of services and low quality of care is critical for Americans.

In recent past, the system concentrated on secondary and tertiary care. As noted, the primary care system is underdeveloped. The need to offer affordable care to all citizens regardless of their economic status prompted reforms in the health sector. The reforms include the Medicare Bill and the Affordable Care Act that aimed to cover the inefficiencies and equal access to healthcare. Successive governments have been under pressure to mitigate the drawbacks in the health system. The proposed and implemented options include health insurance, health promotion and advocating primary care as a means to reduce pressure on health facilities ReferenceOECD. (2012). U.S. health care system from an international perspective.

OECD Health Data 2012. Retrieved from http://www.oecd.org/unitedstates/HealthSpendingInUSA_HealthData2012.pdf