The Bunker – News without the nonsense US healthcare – So hated, it could drive you to murder?
Dec 17, 2024
Jessica Glenser, a health reporter for The Guardian US, navigates the complexities of the US healthcare system alongside host Alex von Tunzelmann. They discuss the shocking murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson and the surprising public adoration for the accused. The conversation dives into the frustrations surrounding medical debt and the emotional toll of high healthcare costs. Glenser contrasts these challenges with more streamlined systems abroad, addressing the urgent need for reform in a deeply flawed landscape.
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US Healthcare Stakes
- The US healthcare system is complex, impacting access to care and potentially life and death.
- Dignity and basic human rights are also at stake within the system.
US Healthcare System Overview
- Only 1.5% of Americans are covered by government-owned and operated healthcare, similar to the NHS.
- Most Americans (50%) receive insurance through their employer, while another third rely on government-sponsored programs often managed by private companies.
Administrative Burden and Costs
- Even insured Americans face administrative burdens like copays, deductibles, and separate bills from doctors.
- These costs can quickly escalate, especially with high deductibles that reset annually, adding to financial strain.