Characteristics of the U.S. Health Care Delivery System
The U.S. health care delivery system is unique in a number of ways. It is one of the most expensive systems in the world, with individuals and employers paying high premiums for coverage. It also relies heavily on private insurance companies to provide coverage, often resulting in limited choices for consumers and higher administrative costs than other countries have. Furthermore, the U.S., unlike many other developed nations, has no universal health care covering all citizens – instead relying primarily on employer-sponsored plans and government programs like Medicare and Medicaid to cover those who cannot afford or obtain private insurance. Finally, its fragmented nature means that access to care can vary greatly depending on an individual’s location, income level, age group, and more – leading to significant disparities in healthcare outcomes among different populations within the U.S.