‘A state of crisis’: record number of Americans are pessimistic about US healthcare system
The Guardian••nation
Key Points:
- A record 23% of Americans believe the US healthcare system is in a state of crisis, with 47% seeing it as having major problems, according to a West Health-Gallup poll; 29% identify cost as the most urgent health issue.
- Experts link rising healthcare costs to aging populations and economic fluctuations, noting that increased expenses directly impact Americans' health by causing stress and leading some to skip necessary treatments.
- Regional disparities exist in healthcare affordability, with states like Mississippi showing significantly higher rates of people unable to afford prescriptions or medical treatments compared to states like Iowa.
- Mental health concerns have grown since the COVID-19 pandemic, with poor mental health and unaffordable care creating a feedback loop; mental health services often face higher
