From Laggard To Leader: Why Health Care In The United States Is Failing, And How To Fix It

Health Affairs January 22, 2025
Donald M. Berwick, Elaine Batchlor, Dave A. Chokshi, Patricia Gabow, Richard Gilfillan, Frederick Isasi, Arnold Milstein, Len M. Nichols

Abstract

Health care in the United States is among the most technologically advanced in the world, but it is largely failing to meet the needs of the nation. The US can claim international excellence in important areas of care, such as cancer treatment, and it leads the world in biomedical innovation and building a well-prepared and dedicated clinical workforce. The Affordable Care Act was a major step forward in expanding access to health care in the US. However, Americans are faced with staggering health costs, inadequate access to care, pervasive health inequities, and lagging life expectancy compared with other developed nations. In this article, part of the National Academy of Medicine’s Vital Directions for Health and Health Care: Priorities for...

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