Healthcare Policy
The U.S. spends more per capita on healthcare than any other developed nation, yet struggles with access and outcomes.
The Cost Conundrum
U.S. healthcare spending exceeded $4.5 trillion in 2022, representing over 17% of GDP. Drivers include administrative complexity, high unit prices for services and pharmaceuticals, and a fee-for-service model that incentivizes volume over value.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA)
The ACA significantly reduced the uninsured rate by expanding Medicaid and creating subsidized marketplaces. However, affordability remains a challenge for those in the employer market and those facing the "subsidy cliff."
Policy Options
- Public Option: Introducing a government-run plan to compete with private insurers.
- Medicare for All: Transitioning to a single-payer system. Requires massive tax restructuring.
- Price Transparency: Enforcing rules that require hospitals to publish real negotiated rates.