Does the Majority in The U.S. Think That the Government Should Ensure Healthcare?

8 out of 10 Americans say they are moderately concerned about accessing quality healthcare when in need.

Many people in America think that healthcare needs to be handled more competently. Moreover, several stark findings, shown below, highlight the government’s current attitude toward reforming the healthcare system, which has been persistent since 2015

Almost 57% of majority adults in America believe the federal government should ensure health coverage for all Americans.

On the other hand, 53% prefer that the healthcare system be based on private insurance instead of the government running it.

13% of Republicans and 72% of Democrats support a government-run approach.

More People Believe Healthcare Is Government’s Responsibility  

Gallup started tracking the public’s views on whether the federal government should ensure health coverage for all Americans and found a lot of flux.

• From 2000-2008, up to 69% believed that the government should ensure universal coverage in the country.
• After the passing of the Affordable Care Act (ACT) in 2009, expanding private health insurance via the government under the presidency of Barack Obama, the public attitude vastly changed. Between 2012 and 2014, majorities thought the government wasn’t responsible for healthcare coverage. 
• The tide again changed in 2015 after a slim majority thought healthcare was the government’s responsibility.
• Gallup’s latest findings show that 57% think the government should ensure coverage for all people in America.

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Changing Attitudes Don’t Change The Reality

While different people have different opinions, the fact is that most Americans in the country struggle to pay for healthcare. Joblessness, homelessness, the pandemic of COVID-19, and all the other factors combined have created this insensitive atmosphere for people in the nation. The number and percentage of people without insurance are falling to historic lows.

The Commonwealth Fund Biennial Health Insurance Survey of 2022 shows the following findings:

43% of working adults were not adequately insured.

29% of people with employer coverage were not adequately insured.

46% of the participants skipped or delayed care because of cost.

42% said they had trouble paying medical bills or were already struggling due to medical debt.

49% said managing an unexpected $1000 medical bill and paying it off within 30 days was not an option for them.

Medical bill problems or debt were reported at the highest rates by adults who were underinsured or lacked continuous coverage.

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What Are The Main Issues With This Dysfunctional Healthcare System?

Here are a few arguments highlighting why the healthcare system in the U.S. must undergo a major upgrade immediately.

Enormous costs – Even though America spends much more on healthcare than any other high-income country, high prices don’t equal the highest quality. America scores poorly on several key health measures despite spending funds of that magnitude. As mentioned above, most Americans are uninsured and underinsured, risking bankruptcy should they develop serious illnesses.

Uneven access – Healthcare disparities are prominent in the U.S. The system tends to delay or deny high-quality care to people in need, especially those who can’t afford it. On top of that, several health insurance companies restrict covering expensive tests, medicines, and other services, shrinking the opportunities for leveraging insurance benefits.

Misdirected investments in healthcare – Again, the flawed American healthcare system focuses on specialty care and technology instead of preventative care. For instance, health insurance covers a cortisone injection in the ankle for tendinitis, but a shoe insert that could work as well may not.

No simple solution – Unfortunately, even insured people in America end up spending out-of-pocket on their medical care. Other high-income countries follow a different approach to healthcare. They have government-run systems or a balanced mix of private and public options.

One Solution For All These Problems: Uncomplicated Patient Financing System

All the data shared above proves that people need a support system to afford their medical bills since relying on the government is not helpful. Third-party financing solutions like Credee benefit patients and healthcare providers in several ways. 

For Healthcare Businesses:

• This patient financing platform is easy to integrate into your existing system.
• It’s a risk-free solution since your payments are protected.
• Finance every paying patient instead of losing them to your competitors.
• Create flexible payment plans for your patients, no matter their credit score.
• Higher approvals compared to traditional lenders.
• Retain existing patients while attracting new ones.
• Earn recurring revenue while building a positive reputation for your business.

For Patients:

• Healthcare payment plans personalized to your financial situation.
• No credit checks.
• No rigid eligibility policies.
• Faster approvals.
• No more delayed care.
• Flexible payback options. 

The Final Words

Opinions will keep changing from time to time, but the situation of every American is distinct. There’s no denying that people need medical care at some point in their life. But waiting on the government to take the necessary steps should not be the only option. After all, medical care is a necessity and not a luxury.

Healthcare providers can make a significant difference by offering patient financing through reliable third-party sources like Credee. It aspires to help all because everyone deserves the best quality of care.