Explain why the lack of universal health care coverage can raise health care costs?
The theory is that folks don't go to the doctor until they are critically ill because of the cost.
Also, a lot of the most expensive sorts of healthcare (e.g. dialysis for diabetes) are the result of chronic conditions that often can be prevented. If everyone saw a doctor at the onset of symptoms, or was able to access healthcare professionals who could advise on diet and other sorts of prevention, many diseases could be controlled or cured early on. Lastly, some contagious diseases (e.g. TB) aren't diagnosed because the most vulnerable are often too poor to afford going to a doctor. The result is that these diseases are spread to others--which is very costly for the healthcare system.
The lack of universal health care coverage can raise health care costs for several reasons. One notable reason is the prevalence of uninsured individuals who are unable to afford necessary medical care. When people lack insurance, they often delay or avoid seeking medical treatment, which can lead to the progression of illnesses or conditions. As a result, when uninsured individuals do eventually seek medical care, their conditions may have worsened, requiring more extensive and costly treatments.
Additionally, without universal health care, there is a higher likelihood of individuals relying on emergency rooms for non-emergency care. Emergency rooms are legally obligated to treat everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. As a result, when people without insurance or access to primary care physicians need medical attention, they often turn to emergency departments as a last resort. Emergency care is much more expensive than preventive or primary care, which drives up overall healthcare costs.
Furthermore, the lack of universal health care coverage increases the administrative burden on healthcare providers and facilities. Healthcare providers must manage numerous insurance plans and navigate complex billing systems, resulting in higher administrative costs. This, in turn, leads to higher medical fees to compensate for these additional expenses.
Lastly, without universal health care, there may be limited bargaining power when negotiating drug prices or medical device costs. Countries with unified health care systems can leverage their collective buying power to negotiate lower prices for pharmaceuticals and medical equipment. In the absence of such bargaining power, healthcare costs may be inflated, which ultimately affects patients and the overall affordability of healthcare.
To get a deeper understanding of the impact of lack of universal health care coverage on health care costs, one can examine research studies, reports from health care organizations, and policy analyses. These sources often provide quantitative data and qualitative assessments that shed light on the relationship between lack of universal health care and its financial implications.