The struggle for universal, high-quality, and affordable healthcare raises concerns about
evidence of an unjust healthcare system. The quality and affordability of a nation’s
healthcare system is significant in enhancing the lifespan and health across all
populations [1]. Without effective healthcare, the spread of diseases would increase and
put people at risk for contagious infections, thus decreasing their quality of life. The US
pays about twice as much for healthcare than any other country, yet its health metrics
rank among one of the lowest [1]. The discrepancies between the U.S.’s investment in
healthcare and limited access and affordability for its citizens must be observed closer.
Over the last several decades, healthcare costs have increased due to several factors
such as rising rates of chronic conditions, advancements in medicine, etc. [2]. Over the
years, there has also been an increasing number of people without health insurance
coverage in the US. Interestingly enough, there is not much evidence that people in the
US use more healthcare services. In fact, Americans generally have shorter average
hospital stays and fewer physician visits compared to other nations [2]. Increases in
healthcare prices are exceeding the growth in use of that healthcare, so it is important
to think about why that is as well as how that is impacting those suffering from financial
instability. Healthcare injustices include the unfairness one experiences from healthcare
providers, and people experience this when they are not able to receive basic medical
care due to the inability to pay for it or when they are not given the best healthcare
possible because of their financial instability [2]. Often times, people don’t receive good
healthcare because of their appearance. These are just a few examples on what makes
the US healthcare system unjust.
In addition to being expensive for the nation as a whole, healthcare is often expensive
for people. High health costs negatively impact those who have lower incomes or are
struggling financially [3]. With health spending having increased by about 4.1%, it is
getting increasingly more difficult to afford, which can be a medical barrier for individuals
[2]. Receiving healthcare has become a burden where an individual can either receive
treatment and suffer from medical debt, or forgo the care at the cost of their health [3].
Access to care and a healthy life should not be so difficult to obtain, highlighting the
dysfunctional healthcare system we live in today. Despite this, something created
across the nation that have aimed to help those not able to receive the healthcare they
need, are free clinics. Free clinics are non-profit organizations that provide free medical
care to those suffering from financial instability. By providing this care free of charge,
these free clinics have been able to play a major role in positively impacting peoples’
lives by helping them lead a better quality of life without having a financial burden.
Despite the shortcomings of our healthcare system today, it still has significantly positive
impacts on people. There are still many people in healthcare who genuinely want to
help others as well as various high-quality trained medical specialists that put immense
effort into working on advancements in medicine and technologies. They also work
towards the prevention of diseases/epidemics that greatly impact society [4]. By
preventing the spread of these illnesses, the quality of life is improved for all. Despite
the lack of accessibility and affordability in the US healthcare system, disease
prevention plays a big role in decreasing mortality rate, and advancements in medicine
also makes treatments possible [4].
While I understand the perspective that our healthcare system today is helping people
regardless, recognizing the flaws of our system is essential and adopting a new system
would be helpful in making healthcare accessible and affordable for all. Other nations
have approached healthcare much differently, changing their government systems in a
way that makes healthcare services more accessible. Although it will not be easy to
adopt an entirely different healthcare system, it is still entirely possible if we all come
together to acknowledge and address the injustices occurring.
Despite the difficulties in healthcare access for those who cannot afford it, free
clinics[AK5] across the US have played a significant role in promoting equality in a
society and improving accessibility. Everyone should have free access to healthcare
and in my opinion, it is a step forward towards the goal of free access in healthcare for
all no matter one’s financial situation. In 2022, there were about 5.8 million patient visits
at free clinics across the US, and 93% of these people were without insurance [5]. With
the use of these free clinics, people are not judged by their financial situation or their
appearance, healthcare is more accessible and equal for all. Based on these statistics,
it is clear that with more free clinics across the U.S.] , it would promote universal
healthcare for all, which would lower costs and prevent medical bankruptcy and
hopefully lead to the adoption of a better healthcare system that provides affordability,
accessibility, and a better quality of life for all.
1. Martin, G. M. (2017, January). Views on the ethical struggle for Universal, high
quality, affordable health care and its relevance for gerontology. Experimental
gerontology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5237434/
2. Health Care Costs and affordability. KFF. (2024, October 24).
https://www.kff.org/health-policy-101-health-care-costs-and-affordability/?entry=table-of-c
ontents-what-factors-contribute-to-u-s-health-care-spending
3. Robert H. Shmerling, M. (2021, July 13). Is our healthcare system broken?. Harvard
Health.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/is-our-healthcare-system-broken-202107132542
4. Rice T;Rosenau P;Unruh LY;Barnes AJ;Saltman RB;van Ginneken E; (n.d.). United
States of America: Health system review. Health systems in transition.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24025796/#:~:text=It%20has%20a%20large%20and,m
edical%20outcomes%20in%20the%20world.
5. Kthompson. (2023, April 26). Free and charitable clinics served 5.8 million in 2022 -
NAFC. The National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics.
https://nafcclinics.org/free-and-charitable-clinics-served-5-8-million-people-in-2022/