The Economic Impact of Insuring People with Pre-Existing Conditions: A Global Perspective
If people with pre-existing conditions have to bear the full financial burden, most will not be able to get affordable health insurance. This reality has long been a point of contention, especially in countries where corporate insurance is not the norm. Democrats and advocates like Bernie Sanders have advocated for solutions, while the current political landscape has yet to provide a viable and comprehensive plan.
Healthcare as a Non-Consumer Product
Only in America would this question be so forthright, highlighting our limited understanding of healthcare. Unlike consumer goods that can be realistically priced based on pre-existing conditions, health is unpredictable and potentially life-threatening. Genetic mutations and cellular errors are random and occur irrespective of an individual’s overall health status.
According to a study published in Science, 66% of genetic mutations that develop into cancer are the result of simple random errors occurring when cells replace themselves [1]. Even healthy individuals have an unknowable risk of developing severe conditions. This unpredictability underscores why tiered coverage based on pre-existing conditions is illogical and unnecessary in a truly universal healthcare system.
Global Perspectives on Universal Healthcare Coverage
Every industrialized country, with the notable exception of the United States, has adopted universal healthcare coverage. Whether the system is single-payer or multi-payer, the goal is to provide coverage to all citizens. In these systems, coverage is not tiered by pre-existing conditions, age, income, employment, or any other factor that limits access to healthcare based on financial status or personal characteristics.
These universal healthcare systems are designed to promote health equity and ensure that individuals can receive the necessary medical care without facing financial hardship. They often involve government financing, although the implementation and funding mechanisms can vary between countries.
Why the U.S. Difference Matters
The U.S. healthcare system's reliance on tiered coverage based on factors like age, income, and employment status is rooted in the pursuit of profitability and revenue maximization. Businesses and insurance companies are not interested in reducing their revenue, as it would threaten their financial health and growth.
This is exemplified by a well-known quote: "How many businesses do you know that want to cut their revenue in half?" The healthcare industry, much like other for-profit sectors, is hesitant to embrace changes that would reduce their earnings, even when such changes could benefit the broader public.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
The challenge lies in reimagining and restructuring the U.S. healthcare system to mimic the success of universal healthcare models in other countries. While this is a significant and complex change, the benefits of equitable and accessible healthcare for all citizens far outweigh the financial concerns of the industry.
To achieve this, policymakers, stakeholders, and the public must work together to educate on the long-term advantages of universal healthcare and advocate for systemic change. By prioritizing health equity, we can create a more sustainable and humane healthcare system that meets the needs of all Americans.
[1] Is cancer just a matter of random bad luck? Science, Year, pp. xxx-xxx.