Local & Global Perspectives on Medicare

Wyoming

Rurality leads to provider shortages and retention

Low density makes it difficult to maintain sufficient healthcare providers and facilities, leading to limited access to care and requiring people to travel long distances for medical attention

High healthcare costs and limited access

According to the American Journal of Public Health, high healthcare costs and limited access to care outweigh other public health issues, making them the most pressing health policy concern of Wyoming residents

Low Medicare reimbursement rates lead to cost-shifting

This cost-shifting and a lack of competition among providers leads to higher healthcare costs for individuals and businesses

Economic reliance on natural resources leading to limited tax revenue for public health.

This reliance has resulted in slower economic and population growth than neighboring states, limiting tax revenue available to address public health challenges

 > Despite the challenges, Wyoming also exhibits positive aspects.

> The residents report better self-assessed health status compared to the national average, potentially influenced by their active lifestyles and a strong sense of community.

> The state's strong cultural values of independence and self-reliance foster resilience and a
persistent drive to find innovative solutions to healthcare challenges.

Global

Aaron Carroll

Wrote a blog about rethinking healthcare from an international perspective.

It examines the American healthcare system's shortcoming and proposes exploring alternative models from other countries diverse approaches to universal coverage, funding mechanisms, and private insurance sectors.

Countries

Switzerland, Singapore, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, and England

~ Mandatory health savings accounts; every working person contributes a portion of their income to the account

~ Single payer systems funded through general taxation; federal government sets national standards for overall healthcare

~ Public system coverage for hospitals physicians, long term care, and prescription drugs; tax levied on specific industries and products

Possible Solution

Aaron Carroll proposes a more balanced integration of public and private healthcare.

The US should look beyond simplistic arguments and learn from other nations in order to better serve American's needs and improve overall health outcomes.