High costs, insurance delays, and limited mental health access burden U.S. healthcare.
Many Americans are growing increasingly dissatisfied with the U.S. healthcare system according to a recent Gallup West-Health poll. Nearly a quarter express that U.S. healthcare is in “crisis” while nearly half state that it has “major problems.” In total, about 70% feel that the system isn’t functioning as it should.
Rising costs continue to be a primary concern, with a record 29% citing expense as their most critical issue. Criticism of the U.S. healthcare system is widespread, both among medical professionals and the public. Key problems include insurance companies delaying urgent and essential treatments, increasing prescription drug prices, and skepticism over the current administration’s leadership. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has faced criticism for spreading inaccurate information and has been urged to step down from his position.
The stress of increasing costs is likely to get worse into the new year. The expanded premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act, which helped lower or eliminate monthly insurance premiums during the pandemic are scheduled to end if Congress does not make an extension. This could result in many Americans having to pay much higher premiums. Some individuals are already seeing the increased costs, leading them to reconsider coverage options, delay enrollment, or choose lower plans. Some enrollees who were requesting enrollment assistance have declined coverage due to higher premiums according to a report by ABC-KVUE.
A Gallup poll in November also highlights unequal access to care across the country. In certain states, nearly half of adults said they skipped medical treatment because they couldn’t afford it. This doesn’t just affect people with chronic illnesses but also people who are avoiding regular checkups, mental health visits, and other preventive care that keeps them healthy. Mental health services, in particular, remain difficult to access because many insurance plans don’t provide adequate coverage or have long wait times.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health has become a growing concern for Americans. Rising healthcare costs and poor mental health are closely linked, creating a cycle where those with greater mental health needs often struggle to afford care. Many insurance plans treat mental health services as separate from standard coverage, resulting in higher out-of-pocket expenses and limited access. David Radley, senior scientist for health system tracking at Commonwealth Fund, says that rising costs and poor mental health are connected, creating a cycle where those with greater mental health needs often cannot afford care. Radley notes, “as mental health care becomes harder to access, mental health outcomes also worsen.” Unlike physical health, mental health services frequently lack coverage protections provided by the Affordable Care Act.