Commonwealth Fund Report Highlights Poor Outcomes and Equity in the United States Despite High Healthcare Costs

The Commonwealth Fund has published a report detailing healthcare costs, outcomes, equity, and access to care worldwide. The United States spends more on healthcare, but this spending does not lead to better outcomes or access. The authors note four common characteristics of top performing countries and call for sweeping policy changes in the United States.

“Four features distinguish top performing countries from the United States: 1) they provide for universal coverage and remove cost barriers; 2) they invest in primary care systems to ensure that high-value services are equitably available in all communities to all people; 3) they reduce administrative burdens that divert time, efforts, and spending from health improvement efforts; and 4) they invest in social services, especially for children and working-age adults.” Read more here.

(Source: Schneider et al., The Commonwealth Fund, 8/4/21)