Understanding the US healthcare system can be complex, but with the right knowledge, individuals can make informed choices.

United stated Healthcare system

In the United States, the way healthcare works is influenced by an idea called ‘neoliberalism’. This idea values an individual’s choices and rights. So, healthcare is often seen as a service people choose, rather than something everyone should automatically have. Even with changes made by ‘Obamacare’, which helped people, especially those who were already sick, the main idea behind healthcare hasn’t changed a lot.

Neoliberalism

In a ‘neoliberalism’ society, people are allowed to make their own choices. This means it’s important to learn and gather information to make good decisions. The United States is often called the ‘land of opportunity’. This means anyone who has a dream can work towards it in the U.S. To chase these dreams, the first step is to gather information and learn about them.”

That is why United States has top-notch schools and research centers. This is because the country believes in the importance of learning to help people reach their dreams. Almost every city or town in the U.S. has a library, and everyone, no matter who they are, can use it.

Healthcare literacy

But in the healthcare system, things are different. Even though it’s based on the same ideas as other parts of society, there isn’t a common place where everyone can get clear information about healthcare. This makes it hard for people to make the best choices for themselves.

Healthcare literacy is about people knowing how to pick the best health services for themselves. Unfortunately, in the United States, it’s tough to find places that teach this knowledge to everyone.

Where should go?

People can find basic health information on the internet. But, it’s harder to find details like how to pick your main doctor, the difference between urgent care and the emergency room, how to see a specialist, how to get someone to help translate if you speak a different language, and which health insurance is best fit for you.

Where can people go in the United States to get this health information? The doctor’s office? Sometimes, even getting a doctor’s appointment can be tough. Plus, these visits are usually short, about 20 to 30 minutes, so there’s not enough time for the doctor to explain everything. And, insurance might not cover a longer visit just for questions.

Imagine if you just came to the United States and needed to see a doctor. Where would you go? Who would you ask about how healthcare works here? Because of this confusion, I’ve seen newcomers (and not just newcomers, many others too) go to the emergency room for small things like an eye sty problem. Then, they get surprised by the big bill. On the other hand, some people who really need emergency help might not go because they’re scared of the cost. Many problems and mix-ups happen simply because people don’t know. In one word: ignorance.

Who has responsible?

Who is to blame when people don’t know about healthcare? Should we blame people for not learning? Or should we have better places where they can get information? For example, with schools, if students don’t go without a good reason, it’s their choice, because there are schools where they can learn. But with healthcare, where can people go to learn about the system? Is there a place that teaches how healthcare works for everyone? Maybe insurance agents? But they only teach about specific insurance plans. Where can people learn about the whole system? Do you have any ideas?

Who take all responsible of outcomes?

At the end of the day, who has to deal with healthcare decisions? It’s the patients and their families. They have to handle everything. That’s why more than half of the people in the United States feel our healthcare system isn’t working well. The reason that they thought this way because Many people don’t know how to find their way around the system. Simply, mostly because they just don’t know enough about it.

Thoughts

I personally don’t think our healthcare system is broken. There are a lot of good things like high-quality care, new technology, great medicines, and hard-working health professionals. Yes, it’s not simple and can be a bit complicated. But once you learn and understand it, it’s manageable. No system is perfect everywhere in the world.

The real problem is that we need to teach people and make sure they’re informed. Knowledge gives you power. When I know about my illness and how to treat it, I can take action. But when I don’t know what’s wrong or how to fix it, everything feels confusing and scary.

We should start teaching about healthcare in high school and college, even if it’s just an optional class. Every adult should at least know where to go if they’re hurt or sick. This knowledge might be more useful in everyday life than some other subjects, like Algebra 2.