The Healthcare Breakdown No. 027 - Breaking Down Why We're All F*cked and How We Can Fix It

The Healthcare Breakdown No. 027 - Breaking Down Why We're All F*cked and How We Can Fix It

The state of healthcare in America is a hot topic of discussion, and for good reason. With skyrocketing premiums, high deductibles, and the burden of medical debt, it's no wonder that many people feel like we're all f*cked. But is there a way out? Can we fix the broken system that seems to prioritize profit over people? Let's delve into the issue and explore potential solutions.

One of the major issues with healthcare in America is the exorbitant cost. On average, individuals pay around $2,000 to $6,000 in premiums per year. On top of that, there's the dreaded deductible, which can easily reach $3,000 or more. In a bad year, you could find yourself on the hook for a significant amount of money. This financial strain is not sustainable for many individuals and families.

But here's the thing - it doesn't have to be this way. We can play a completely different game, one where we all win. It's time to build businesses that deliver value, not extract it. We need solutions that change things for the better, not create more problems. This is why individuals like myself have taken to platforms like LinkedIn to voice our concerns and propose ideas for change.

One simple idea that resonates with many people is the need for systemic change. Real change can only occur when the systems themselves are transformed. As the saying goes, "People are the only ones that can change systems." This means that it's up to us, as individuals, to come together and demand change from the powers that be.

In a promising turn of events, we've seen examples of organizations stepping up to alleviate the burden of medical debt. SCAN Group and CareOregon recently made grants to a charity that buys and forgives medical debt, erasing a staggering $110 million in bills for nearly 70,000 lower-income individuals across five states. While this may not be the long-term solution we need, it's a step in the right direction.

The hope is that these acts of kindness will inspire others in the healthcare industry to follow suit. Even modest-sized companies like SCAN Group and CareOregon can make a significant impact. By purchasing medical debt for pennies on the dollar, they are lowering the burden that medical debt imposes on communities all over America. It's time for other entities in healthcare to step up and make a difference.

So, what can we do to fix the broken healthcare system? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

• 1. Advocate for change: Reach out to your elected officials, join grassroots movements, and voice your concerns. The more people that speak up, the harder it is for those in power to ignore our demands for change.

• 2. Support businesses that prioritize value over profit: As consumers, we have the power to choose where we spend our money. Support companies that prioritize delivering value and creating solutions, rather than those that extract it from us.

• 3. Educate yourself and others: Stay informed about the healthcare system, its flaws, and potential solutions. Share your knowledge with others and encourage them to join the conversation. The more people understand the issues, the better equipped we are to demand change.

In conclusion, the state of healthcare in America may seem dire, but it's not a lost cause. By coming together and demanding systemic change, we can fix the broken system that has left so many of us feeling f*cked. Let's support businesses that prioritize value, advocate for change, and educate ourselves and others. Only then can we create a healthcare system that works for everyone.