Does getting sick, injured or going to the doctor for a checkup mean one has to go broke? According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, 9% of American citizens do not have health coverage.
The American health care system is a mix of private and public programs; some Americans make too much money to obtain Medicaid, but too little money to qualify for a private insurance plan. The United States spends the most money out of all high-income countries, yet there are millions of citizens who cannot afford health coverage. In 2022, the United States spent 17.8% of its Gross Domestic Product on health care.
U.S. citizens who need health coverage but are unable to obtain it must pay out of pocket for their medical bills. Hospitalization means less hours worked, putting Americans in a tight spot when paying their personal bills.
According to the Commonwealth Fund, eight out of nine countries outperformed the U.S. regarding health care. Australia, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, France, Sweden, Canada and Switzerland all out ranked the U.S. when it comes to overall health care policies. Why is it that countries like Australia, the U.K. and the Netherlands spend less than 12% of their GDP on health care but have better coverage and, on average, healthier citizens?
When people ignore minor health issues, they can turn into major health problems. According to a 2025 article from the United States Census Bureau, an estimated 27.1 million people did not have health coverage at all in the year 2024. Many citizens do not have insurance because of high costs. About half of Americans are insured through employee plans that are provided through their job.
So, should people have to work for their health care or is it a privilege for all citizens? There are some Americans who oppose health care for all because they believe it is unfair for people who make less than them to receive the same benefits.
If the U.S. had similar systems to the European Union and other high-income countries, the citizens of the U.S. would be happier and healthier overall.
by James Shelton
