Bernie Sanders Criticizes State of U.S. Healthcare System at CNN Town Hall
TL/DR –
At a recent CNN town hall, Senator Bernie Sanders raised concerns about the U.S. healthcare system, highlighting that nearly every audience member agreed it was broken. Sanders pointed out that the U.S. is the only wealthy nation that does not provide universal healthcare, leaving about 85 million Americans uninsured or underinsured and causing 60,000 deaths yearly due to lack of timely medical access. He attributed these issues to profit-driven motives of insurance and pharmaceutical companies, and the influence of money in politics, and while he supports a Medicare for All system, critics argue this change could disrupt current coverage options.
Bernie Sanders Highlights Flaws in U.S. Healthcare System
Senator Bernie Sanders recently addressed the state of the U.S. healthcare system in a CNN town hall hosted by Anderson Cooper. Sanders’ questions about the functioning of the system resonated with the mixed audience of Democrats, Republicans, and Independents.
No hands were raised when Sanders asked if the American healthcare system was functioning well. But when asked if it was broken, most attendees agreed. He highlighted that the U.S. is the only developed country that doesn’t guarantee universal healthcare to its citizens.
According to Sanders, 85 million Americans are either uninsured or underinsured, with many unable to get timely medical help. Despite debates on these figures, most experts concur that the high cost, coverage gaps, and limited access are significant issues with the current system.
As per a 2022 report from the Commonwealth Fund, the U.S. lags other high-income nations in healthcare access, equity, and outcomes. A recent Gallup survey also found that 38% of Americans, especially older adults and lower-income individuals, have avoided medical care due to cost.
Sanders pointed out that despite spending more per person on healthcare than any other country, the U.S. lags in key health indicators like life expectancy and infant mortality. He attributed this disconnect to profit-driven motives by insurance firms and exorbitant prescription drug prices.
Bernie Sanders links these health system issues to political influence by healthcare and pharmaceutical lobbying. Critics argue that his proposed Medicare for All system could disrupt existing coverage options and be costly. Despite the increasing support for universal coverage, clear consensus on the way to achieve it remains elusive.
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