American health care since 1994 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

American health care since 1994 - Essay Example These efforts have thwarted efforts to attain affordable, effective and accessible healthcare for Americans. In the last fifteen years, the cost of American healthcare has increased by more than two times with the yearly growth rate being over double that of inflation. The costs have become a burden to the federal government, businesses, as well as families. Employers have had to cut back on their expenditure on healthcare so as to remain competitive against international companies that do not have such costs. Fewer companies are offering health benefits forcing individuals to look for coverage in the highly unregulated private market. This has affected Americans’ productive capacity as well as the country’s fiscal health. While there are varied reasons for the rising costs, the increase is attributable to excess costs of the country’s healthcare system and the underlying inefficiencies. In addition, the number of people who do not have sufficient insurance coverage or even any coverage at all has been increasing. It is noteworthy that the uninsured end up getting healthcare in an extremely costly way, thereby increasing the premiums of those with medical insurance. Unfortunately, this has not translated into quality healthcare or improved outcomes. These aspects underline the importance of pushing forward with the reforms. The American healthcare has been on its knees for quite some time. This calls for comprehensive reforms to enhance the delivery and quality of healthcare, provide accessible, comprehensive and affordable health insurance and reform payment so as to reward