The American healthcare system, widely known as the leading provider of healthcare globally, has become more affordable for numerous Americans due to the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, commonly referred to as ObamaCare (Mechanic 21). This act grants individuals access to employer-sponsored healthcare and other valuable benefits. Nonetheless, alongside these advantages, there are also disadvantages inherent in the American healthcare system.
The high cost of drugs and medications is currently a subject of debate, as it poses a challenge for many individuals in meeting doctors' prescriptions. This problem requires an immediate resolution, as numerous people are affected by it. One potential solution could be the implementation of limits on individuals' out-of-pocket expenses for medications. By doing so, health insurance companies can set a maximum amount that individuals have to pay for different prescriptions at an afforda
...ble level (as proposed by Kantarjian, 23). This approach has the potential to greatly assist individuals with chronic illnesses and lead to significant cost savings for them.
Furthermore, if Americans cannot afford medicines domestically yet find it more convenient and cost-effective to import them from other countries, they should be allowed to do so. This will enable them to closely follow their doctor's prescriptions instead of reducing dosage or going without medication completely. One approach to lowering the cost of medications in America and ensuring public access is by promoting competition. This goal could be accomplished by addressing the backlog at the FDA's office of Generic Drugs, which would facilitate introducing numerous additional generic drugs into the market (Kantarjian 75). Additionally, it is essential to put an end to the practice known as "pay for delay" since it obstructs other competitors.
Pharmaceutica
companies should redirect taxpayer funds from advertising to research and development. Investing more in research will result in improved drug quality and affordability. This approach benefits individuals and saves the government money. Additionally, fostering competition is the most effective solution to high drug prices as it eliminates the need for people to seek cheaper medications outside their county. Lowering medication prices within the country enhances accessibility for citizens.
The establishment of new businesses not only aids in the expansion of the country's economy but also provides financial advantages to the government. Guaranteeing accessible medication prices is a joint duty involving various levels of government, with the federal government taking on a crucial role in establishing regulations for state governments' procurement of pharmaceuticals.
In the American healthcare system, pricing is determined by both the federal and state governments. The federal government impacts prices through taxation (Kantarjian 56), while negotiations with pharmaceutical companies are handled by the state government. Furthermore, the local government now bears responsibility for public health.
The text discusses the issues surrounding drugs and alcohol usage, resulting in a decrease in substance abuse that often leads to chronic illnesses like cancer.
Work Cited
- http://www.usnews.com/opinion/articles/2016-10-05/the-us-can-make-prescription-drugs-more-affordable
- Kantarjian, Hagop, and S. Vincent Rajkumar. "Why are cancer drugs so expensive in the United States, and what are the solutions?." Mayo Clinic Proceedings. Vol. 90. No. 4. Elsevier, 2015.
- Kantarjian, Hagop, et al. "High cancer drug prices in the United States: reasons and proposed solutions." Journal of Oncology Practice 10.4 (2014): e208-e211.
- Mechanic, David. "Seizing opportunities under the Affordable Care Act for transforming the mental and behavioral health system." Health Affairs 31.2 (2012): 376-382.
