I recently read an article that discussed the challenges faced by patients as they navigate our current healthcare system. The author emphasized that the system is complex and driven by financial interests rather than patient-centered care, despite some efforts to make incremental improvements. Dr. Victor Montori highlighted the need for significant changes to improve the system for patients.
As both a practicing physician and a patient who has experienced care in New Zealand, I can attest to the benefits of a universal healthcare system. In New Zealand, the process of getting medical care is straightforward for both doctors and patients. Prior authorizations and referrals are simple, prescription drugs cost only $5 per prescription, and patients receive support for transportation, childcare, rent, and groceries if needed. Medical bankruptcy is virtually unheard of in New Zealand, even though they achieve all this at half the cost per capita compared to the United States.
Economic studies have shown that implementing a single-payer healthcare system would not only reduce healthcare costs but also provide comprehensive coverage to all residents in the U.S. By expanding traditional Medicare to cover everyone and including services such as medical dental, and prescription drugs, we could simplify the system and ensure universal coverage for all.
I urge our elected officials to prioritize patient-centered universal healthcare as a crucial step towards improving our healthcare system. As someone who has seen firsthand how it works in practice, I believe that this is an essential step towards ensuring that all Americans have access to high-quality healthcare without going bankrupt due to medical bills.
