• Healthcare costs in the U.S. are rising due to increasing administrative costs, drug prices, and provider reimbursement rates.
• Lack of transparency in healthcare pricing contributes significantly to high spending.
• There are ways to avoid high healthcare costs such as buying health insurance, using generic drugs, comparing prices of care options, and prioritizing preventative care.
• Taking these steps can help ensure access to quality healthcare while keeping costs down.
Healthcare is an essential part of life and is necessary for the overall well-being of individuals. Regardless of income or other factors, quality healthcare should be available to all. Unfortunately, the cost of health care can be a significant barrier to accessing quality care. Here’s how certain things are contributing to overall healthcare costs.
Rising Healthcare Costs in the U.S.
Healthcare costs in the United States are rising at an alarming rate. According to a recent study, healthcare spending reached $3.6 trillion in 2018 and is projected to reach $6 trillion by 2027. So what is behind this rise? Here are some things contributing to the high cost of healthcare in the U.S.
Administrative Costs
According to a recent report from the Commonwealth Fund, administrative costs account for 15-10% of total healthcare spending.
This includes costs related to billing and insurance processing, as well as physician office overhead costs associated with maintaining staff and operating hours of service. In addition, administrative costs have been rising steadily over time, mainly due to technological advances requiring more staff and data processing infrastructure.
Drug Prices
The cost of prescription drugs has risen significantly over the last decade, with prices increasing 13% in 2017 alone. This is due in part to an increase in direct-to-consumer advertising, which encourages consumers to buy more expensive brand-name drugs rather than generic alternatives; it is also due to government policies that allow drug companies to charge higher prices for certain medications with no competition from other manufacturers or generics available on the market.
Provider Reimbursement Rates
Medical provider reimbursement rates—that is, how much providers are paid for services provided—are also contributing to higher healthcare costs in the U.S. Many private insurers pay significantly lower rates than Medicare for similar services, resulting in providers charging patients more out-of-pocket costs for those same services – which drives up overall spending on medical care across the board.
Lack of Transparency
Poor transparency around pricing contributes significantly to high healthcare spending in the U.S. Patients often don’t know how much they will be charged until after they receive treatment, leaving them with little choice but to accept whatever price they are given—even if it’s much higher than expected or budgeted for before treatment being received (especially when dealing with emergencies).
Improved transparency around pricing would help curb unnecessary spending by allowing patients to shop around and make informed decisions about their care options before receiving treatments or procedures that may be priced much higher than anticipated.
How to Avoid High Healthcare Costs
Thankfully, there are various ways to avoid high costs when it comes to healthcare:
Insurance
Not many Americans can pay for medical care out of pocket, making health insurance necessary. Insurance helps spread the cost of medical treatment over time and can provide financial protection in case of an accident or unexpected illness. Make sure to meet an experienced insurance agent to help you. It’s important to review plans carefully before committing to ensure that it meets your needs and budget.
Generic Drugs
Whenever possible, use generic drugs instead of expensive brand-name options. Generic medications are often much cheaper than their counterparts and can save you money in the long run.
Compare Prices
Shopping around for medical services and procedures is essential, as costs can vary significantly from one provider or facility to another. Before committing to a treatment, research and compare the prices of various services in your area. Moreover, feel free to ask for help from organizations that can help you pay if your bills are too high. Also, make sure you check your costs and make sure you’re not overbilled.
Take care of yourself
Good health starts with preventative care, so leading a healthy lifestyle and attending regular check-ups with your doctor is essential. Eating right, exercising regularly, getting plenty of sleep, and managing stress can help keep you well and prevent serious health problems.
Healthcare costs are rising in the U.S., but there are ways to avoid high fees and ensure access to quality care. By using insurance, generic drugs, shopping around for prices, and taking charge of your wellness, you can save on medical care and stay healthy.
