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Why is the us healthcare system so bad? What are the different political views on universal healthcare?
The murder of US health insurance CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024 sparked anger on social media over insurance claim denials, which are becoming increasingly common in the US, in contrast to countries where health care is a right.
Here’s a look at the left, right, and center views on US healthcare.
The US Healthcare System
The murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024 opened a Pandora’s Box of social media complaints about the failings of the US health care system.
UHC, the country’s largest health insurer, reportedly denies about a third of submitted claims from the 50 million people it covers. A Senate report criticized the company for denying nursing care to patients on its Medicare Advantage plans, and UHC and its parent company face a class action lawsuit for the way they’ve used AI algorithms to deny claims.
Luigi Mangione, the man arrested and charged in Thompson’s slaying, left behind a statement criticizing insurance companies—sparking further allegations and troubling accounts of insurance company denials from medical providers and patients.
But why is the US healthcare system so bad? Here’s a look at how the concept of health care as a right evolved in the US and what all sides think about it.
US Healthcare Complaints
Gallup reports that as of 2024, Americans’ view of US healthcare quality fell to a 24-year low:
- Only 44% rated the quality of health care as excellent or good, down 10 percentage points from 2020.
- Just 28% viewed health insurance coverage positively.
- Only 19% were satisfied with the cost of health care.
Americans’ top frustrations with health care include:
- Soaring costs: Health insurance premiums have outpaced inflation, with the average family paying $25,572 per year in 2024.
- High out-of-pocket expenses: Even with insurance, many face substantial out-of-pocket costs, leading to fears of financial ruin due to unexpected medical bills.
- Coverage denials: Nearly 1 in 5 claims are denied by some insurers, with denial rates varying from 2% to 49%.
- Complexity: The insurance system’s complexity and opacity make it hard for consumers to navigate and understand their coverage.
Background
Top cause of bankruptcy: The top cause of bankruptcy in the US is healthcare-related debt. According to a KFF survey, most US adults worry about paying for health care, whether they’re financially comfortable or struggling.
8% are uninsured: As of the first quarter of 2024, the national uninsured rate for all ages was 8.2%, meaning that 27 million people lack insurance. The rate could rise with a potential increase in premiums and changes in Medicaid access.
| Discrimination in Healthcare In addition to being expensive, there is also rampant discrimination in healthcare. In the American healthcare industry, Blacks are mistreated due to slavery-era beliefs—particularly that Black bodies are biologically and physiologically different than white bodies. In the book The 1619 Project, Nikole Hannah-Jones explains that academic articles claimed that Black people have thicker skin, a higher pain tolerance, and different emotional and intellectual capabilities. In 2016, a study on medical students found that half of white participants believed at least one of these claims—the most common belief was that Black people felt less pain. The authors say that this belief would make the students less likely to prescribe appropriate treatment to Black patients. |
Should The US Adopt Universal Healthcare?
Public opinion in the US on whether health care is a right that the government should ensure divides along political lines with far fewer Republicans favoring it than Democrats and Independents.
Right-Leaning View
Traditionally, conservatives have opposed the idea of health care as a right, favoring market-based solutions and limited government intervention. They often argue that guaranteeing health care would increase taxes, lower the quality of care, and restrict personal freedoms.
Left-Leaning View
Many liberals support the concept of health care as a right. Their philosophy is based on both moral principles and utilitarian arguments, attempting to balance individual needs with the concerns of the overall population. Key elements include:
- Belief that health care is an equal right for all people
- Implementation of this right through a system of universal coverage
- Equitable financing of healthcare
- Commitment to equality in healthcare
Centrist View
Centrists typically support expanded access to health care while maintaining elements of the private insurance system. The 2010 Affordable Care Act (ACA), with its combination of private insurance markets and government subsidies, represents a centrist approach to healthcare reform.
Perspective: Comparison With Other Countries
In contrast to US views, many developed nations established universal health care decades ago, treating it as a fundamental right. These countries include:
- Canada, 1966
- France, 1945
- Germany, the late 19th century
- Brazil, 1988
- Norway, the post-World War II
- Sweden, mid-20th century
- The United Kingdom, 1948
- Denmark, the early 20th century
- Italy, 1978
Looking Forward
Gallup expects healthcare to remain a key issue, predicting in its Trends to Watch in 2025 preview that the murder of UHC’s CEO will continue to fuel debate over healthcare access and costs. The firm plans to release a “Mood of the Nation” poll on American satisfaction with healthcare availability and affordability in January, plus further detail in 2025 on consumers’ views on the healthcare industry and ratings on healthcare coverage and quality.
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