Why is health care important? The quality of care we receive is critical to the quality of life and economy in the United States. More than one-fifth of American adults do not have health insurance or a primary care provider, and this leads to many people skipping routine checkups. Moreover, health care costs are higher than most people can afford, even for those who are otherwise healthy. Ultimately, health care is a human right, so the cost of high quality medical care should not be a barrier to accessing it.
Polling results show that health care is the most important issue to voters, ranked ahead of economic growth, job security, affordable housing, and the environment. While health care is a major issue for Democrats and independents, Republicans also share it as a top concern. According to a Kaiser Family Foundation survey, health care is the most important issue to voters in all three major party races, and despite widespread concern, voter satisfaction with health care has remained largely consistent.
The U.S. health care system focuses on health insurance and employment, but these issues are directly linked to one’s physical health. In fact, housing conditions can influence the health of an individual. For example, a homeless person can suffer from hypothermia and become ill from a lack of proper housing. So, housing issues are important to the Triple Aim, and improving housing standards can reduce health system costs while improving access.
Despite these issues, the government is continuing to develop rules and regulations that undermine the ACA’s protections. While Congress has put its attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the Department of Health and Human Services continues to create rules that limit ACA protections. For example, it is possible for an American to pay for a year’s worth of insulin without insurance, while in Canada a single dose can run up to $1700.
When we look back in history, healthcare has improved greatly. During the Dark Ages, people relied on natural cures and prayers. But by the time we have the all-payer system, we need to ensure that the health of the general population is maintained. The quality of care is a fundamental determinant of the overall quality of life. Moreover, high-quality health care not only prevents illnesses, but also improves the quality of life. Health care providers and patients can work together to achieve this goal. Communication is one of the strategies to improve health. By making health care providers and patients aware of recommendations and guidelines for treatments, people can achieve a better quality of life.
Besides the regular checkups, regular screenings can also help prevent health problems. While most of us think of preventive care as a flu shot or a pap smear, preventive care also includes a healthy diet and regular physician visits. And even though health care is essential, the quality of that care is also dependent on the level of coverage. It is important to make sure you get a quality health care plan.