American’s Encounter with Free Health Care Abroad Highlights US System’s Flaws
TL/DR –
The author experienced a bike accident while studying in London and was treated without any charge, which surprised them as an American used to the US healthcare system. The author criticizes the Trump administration’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” for slashing $1.02 trillion in federal spending to Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Benefits. The author advocates for a more compassionate healthcare system in the US, arguing that it’s essential for the public to look beyond partisanship in addressing healthcare issues.
An Accident Sparks Reflection on Health Care Inequities
During a study abroad stint in London, a minor bike accident resulted in a broken arm. Despite receiving a CT scan, two x-rays, painkillers, and a cast at the emergency room, no charges were incurred.
Concurrently in the US, the Trump administration prepared to pass the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” proposing a $1.02 trillion reduction in federal Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Benefits expenditure. By 2034, this cut could impact over 10 million American citizens.
The health policy discrepancy between countries is alarming. Despite the US spending more on health care than any similarly developed nation — a staggering 17 percent of GDP in 2023 — access to essential health services is still a struggle for many.
Medical debt in the US is in the hundreds of billions, with over 14 million Americans owing more than $1,000 each. Medical expenses contribute to over 65 percent of bankruptcy filings, as per a National Library of Medicine study. Comparatively, the UK’s National Health Service provides residents with free public health care.
The Impact of Proposed Health Care Cuts
The proposed legislation threatens to further disadvantage already underserved communities. The lack of insurance coverage disproportionately affects Hispanic and Indigenous populations, and non-elderly adults and children in rural areas are more dependent on Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.
While there’s no denying that excessive medical spending is a problem in the US — administrative costs and prescription drug prices account for nearly one-third of excessive health care spending — it’s counterproductive to slash federal funding for essential programs like Medicare and Medicaid.
Healthcare transcends ideological divisions. No one is safe from accidents, aging, or chronic health conditions. Factors such as food deserts, climate change, and the accessibility of fast food pose significant health risks. Hence, advocating for access to compassionate health care for all, regardless of political differences, becomes crucial.
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