Ah, health care in America, the land of contradictions and medical marvels! Laughter is the best medicine, so let's dive right into the absurdities of healthcare in the good ol' US of A!
The U.S. spends more on healthcare per capita than any other country, at around $11,582 per person in 2019, yet ranks 37th in overall health outcomes among developed nations according to the World Health Organization. It's like using a high-end gym membership solely for the sugar-loaded juice bar.
The United States is one of only two countries that allows direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription drugs. So, you can enjoy a TV commercial showcasing a happy family frolicking in a field, while the soothing voiceover rattles off side effects like suicidal thoughts and internal bleeding.
In a country that spends over $72 billion annually on weight loss products and services, we also hold the title of the highest obesity rate among developed nations, with over 42% of adults classified as obese.
Medical bankruptcy is a leading cause of bankruptcy filings in the U.S., even for those with insurance. In fact, around 66.5% of all bankruptcies are tied to medical issues. The new American dream now includes crowdfunding your medical expenses.
The U.S. healthcare system employs around 18 million workers, many of whom are hailed as heroes. Yet, they're often underpaid, overworked, and undervalued, with 12-hour shifts and insufficient personal protective equipment.
The U.S. is a global leader in medical research and technology, but according to the Census Bureau, in 2020, nearly 28 million Americans (8.6% of the population) lacked health insurance. It's like building a state-of-the-art hospital and leaving the doors locked for those who can't afford the entrance fee.
The American healthcare system often emphasizes treating symptoms and illnesses, rather than promoting prevention and wellness. In 2019, the U.S. spent only 2.5% of its total healthcare expenditures on public health and prevention activities.
American healthcare is an enigma wrapped in a conundrum, swaddled in a riddle, and sprinkled with a healthy dose of irony. This perplexing system, full of contradictions and absurdities, leaves us scratching our heads at the sheer lunacy of it all. From outrageous costs to perplexing policies, the U.S. healthcare system is the perfect example of a tragicomic masterpiece that would make Shakespeare himself green with envy.