Soc 490 Journal 3

The American healthcare system has entered a time of turmoil. The cost of healthcare only seems to pile up over many American’s eyes as the quality they receive consistently decrease at a similar rate. Countless Americans find themselves overwhelmed by these rising prices struggling to find any sort of quality care. “The United States spent $650 billion more on health care than peer OECD countries even after adjusting for wealth,” states Furnas. He also points out, “The share of American firms offering health benefits shrank to 60% in 2009, from 66% in 1999. And the percentage of Americans covered through their employers, was 59 percent in 2007, down from 64 percent in 1999.” As millions more American are squeezed out of coverage by prices surging skyward, why is it that people from around the world to our hospitals to in search of the best care, when statistics show that our system is inadequate compared to fellow countries?  

For the longest time America was seen as the cream of the crop with technology, medicine, and medical care. However we fall short when it comes to providing the essentials for a secure healthcare system. The United States mortality rate is ranked 23^rd in the world behind Canada, Italy, Sweden, and most other developed nations. Once ahead of the world with the best technology at our fingertips, many nations like Japan, South Korea, and China have caught up. There is a possibility that among the worldwide masses most still see us as ahead of the curve when we really aren’t. America is home to some of the most world renowned hospitals and medical universities in the world. People from all over the globe seek education at many prestigious universities in American soil. Thousands will come to seek the necessary schooling in all sorts of medical fields every year. On top of those who come for educational reasons, millions flock to Cuyahoga country to receive treatment at the Cleveland Clinic.

Since we have a good number of the most prestigious schools for medical education, people who can afford the best will come to receive the best. Those who come to the States a foreign country to get treatment are likely the ones who can afford to pay the hefty bills. Millions of Americans may not be able to pay to have knee replacement surgery or a colonoscopy, so they will let the issue persist instead of facing a financially pressing situation. Another factor is that Americans are not the healthiest bunch. Many live a lifestyle gluttonous of unhealthy choices that can lead to the increase in mortality. Unhealthy choices can lead to more health problems that can become more severe. Often times when these problems occur, it is too late for healthier choices to have any impact. The answer boils down to lifestyle. The American lifestyle is vastly different from the way Italians or Germans live which plays a considerable role into the overall life expectancy. If you ask most of my classmates on this Global Learning excursion, most may agree that Americans aren’t as healthy as Italian.