One potential solution is to create a single-payer system. This would be a government-run healthcare system in which everyone would have access to healthcare coverage. The benefits of a single-payer system include reduced costs and improved quality of care. According to a study by the Commonwealth Fund, the implementation of a single-payer system could save the United States $2 trillion over 10 years.
Another potential solution is to increase transparency in the healthcaremarket. Healthcare companies should disclose the costs of procedures upfront and allow patients to choose from a variety of healthcare providers that have taking care of health been vetted by independent rating agencies. Healthcare providers also need more incentive to provide better patient care, as opposed to just providing more care. Incentives could be provided via reimbursement by insurance providers or medical malpractice lawsuits.
There are many potential solutions to the problem of skyrocketing health care costs in this country. The first step is for both political parties to agree on a set of goals for healthcare reform. Healthcare needs to become a bipartisan issue so that there can be a robust discussion about how best to address it moving forward.
