The Challenges of U.S. Healthcare

The Challenges of U.S. Healthcare

Introduction

The United States boasts a healthcare system that is the envy of many countries around the world. The system is geared towards catering to a broad spectrum of the American population. Statistically, the percentage of Americans without any healthcare insurance was around 16.3% in 2010 (US Census Bureau, 2010). Numerically speaking this seemingly low percentage translates into around 32 million Americans. It is for that reason a significant challenge is posed to the existing healthcare system.

That low percentage indicates the progress the American healthcare system has made since the 19th century. The primary objective of such a system was to have government funded health coverage for its citizens. Over the years, both the public and the private sector have contributed towards its growth and making it an example for other countries to follow. The health sector has made a great contribution towards the identification, cure and prevention of various diseases. Not only that, the system has also contributed towards instant availability of a healthcare facility in case of accidents or natural calamities.

The continued betterment in healthcare facilities and their accessibility have contributed towards longevity of the general population. This has translated into higher ages and increasing numbers of aging people. These people are benefitting from these facilities and at the same time are causing a strain on the system. This is mainly due to increased costs and the effects of the recent global recession.

There have been many health care issues in the United States of America. In juveniles, it is often seen that kids aged between 12 and 17 are facing health care issues with the obesity and statistics have found out that this number is rising exponentially every year. This problem is not only limited to youngsters, but many of the elders are facing such similar problems.

With all the accomplishments of American healthcare, it remains a topic of great debate from Capitol Hill to the House of Representatives. The Democrats and the Republicans have their own version of what is right for the populace. As evident in the current run up to the Elections, healthcare reform may prove to be the deciding factor in deciding the winner.

Discussion

The Healthcare Reform Law

The Healthcare reform bill became law in March, 2010. Thirty two million uninsured Americans are the focus of this law (Jackson & Nolen, 2010). According to the bill, insurance would be available to self-employed individuals through state-based exchanges. Families with income between 133 percent and 400 percent of poverty level would have access to further subsidies (Jackson & Nolen, 2010). On the economic side, the law aims to reduce the deficit by $143 billion till 2020 (Jackson & Nolen, 2010).

The section of the population that stands to benefit from the said law are the elderly people aged 65 and above. According to a survey conducted by the US Department of Commerce in 2005, the elderly population of America would grow by around 2.8% till 2030 (US Census Bureau, ...