Health Care in America: The Experience of People with Serious Illness

These are just a few of the many voices of people with serious illness. They express the bewilderment and the loss of control. They convey fear that the system is indifferent to their needs and that the cost of care is beyond their reach. They reflect the joy of feeling well enough to get back to the familiar parts of life.

Most Americans expect the health care system will deliver effective treatment and support them through trying times when they get sick. But in reality, health care in America sometimes hurts even as it helps. Appointments can be difficult to get. Clinics and emergency rooms are often overcrowded. Doctors’ recommendations can be confusing...