World Health Day 2025 – How Accessible Is Healthcare in America?

Observed every year on April 7, World Health Day calls attention to critical health issues. This year’s theme, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” emphasizes the importance of maternal and newborn care, yet in the U.S., many still struggle to access even basic services.

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), the U.S. spends more than $4.5 trillion annually on healthcare, and 92% of Americans have health insurance. Despite this, 41% of U.S. adults carry healthcare debt. When it comes to maternal health, the U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate among developed nations, with nearly 22 deaths per 100,000 live births.

These figures raise a critical question: how can such a costly system leave so many behind? Healthy beginnings depend on equitable access, early intervention, and compassionate care. Hopeful futures start when families aren’t burdened by cost or denied care due to systemic barriers.

Why does the world’s most expensive healthcare system leave so many behind? On World Health Day 2025, we take a closer look at the barriers keeping people away from care. Let’s explore how the U.S. healthcare system fails to deliver on the promise of “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” and what it will take to ensure that every mother, baby, and family can start life with real support, not just coverage.

Key Insights of The State of Healthcare in the US 

The U.S. is known for advanced treatments, but also high costs and limited access. In fact, the U.S. spends nearly twice as much on healthcare per person as other wealthy countries, yet millions still struggle to get the care they need. So, how can a system be so advanced, yet so out of reach for many? Let’s break it down.

Public vs. Private: A Dual System

In the U.S., healthcare operates on a dual system comprising both public and private components. Public programs like Medicare primarily serve individuals aged 65 and older, while Medicaid assists low-income individuals and families. These government-funded programs accounted for approximately 45% of national healthcare spending in recent years. 

On the flip side, private health insurance dominates the landscape, covering about 67% of Americans. Most of that coverage is tied to employment, meaning your health insurance often depends on your job. Lose your job, and your insurance might disappear with it.

This dual system creates big gaps in access and affordability. Take, for example, Maria, a 34-year-old mother of two in Texas who lost her job and her health insurance during a company downsizing. When she began experiencing complications after her pregnancy, she delayed seeking care, unsure if she could afford the hospital bills. By the time she was admitted, the situation had become an emergency. 

Stories like Maria’s are far too common, especially in states that haven’t expanded Medicaid, where affordable coverage options are limited for adults without dependent children or disabilities.

The Uninsured and Underinsured: A Growing Concern

You might think having health insurance means you’re covered, but for millions of Americans, that’s far from the truth.

As of 2023, around 38% of U.S. adults said they delayed or skipped medical care in the past year due to cost. That includes everything from doctor visits and tests to filling prescriptions. And it’s not just the uninsured; many of these people had health insurance but still couldn’t afford their care.

For example: 

• High Out-of-Pocket Costs: Average deductible for individual plans is $1,500–$2,000 (source: Kaiser Family Foundation).
• Expensive Prescription Drugs: Insulin costs $300–$600 per month (source: American Diabetes Association).
• Mental Health Costs: Therapy sessions range from $100 to $250 (source: National Alliance on Mental Illness).
• Medical Debt: Average medical debt is $2,000–$5,000 for about 20% of U.S. adults (source: Kaiser Family Foundation).

On top of that, more than 100 million Americans are struggling with medical debt, according to a KFF report. For some, a single emergency room (ER) visit or a few prescriptions can lead to bills they spend years trying to pay off.

When basic checkups and prescriptions feel out of reach, small health problems turn into big ones. And in the end, we all pay more for worse outcomes.

A Global Perspective: How Does the U.S. Compare?

When we zoom out and compare the U.S. to the rest of the world, the cracks in the system become even harder to ignore.

The U.S. spends more than $12,555 per person on healthcare each year, more than double the average of other high-income countries. Yet, the return on that investment is troubling. Moreover, the U.S. has the highest rates of avoidable deaths, indicating systemic inefficiencies. The U.S. also has the highest rates of avoidable deaths, pointing to deep systemic inefficiencies. 

In contrast, countries like Germany provide universal health coverage through a mix of public and private insurers, ensuring continuity of care regardless of employment status. Meanwhile, the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) offers government-funded care to all residents, with significantly better maternal health outcomes at a fraction of the cost.
These global gaps show that throwing money at the problem isn’t enough. Without systemic reform, better outcomes will stay out of reach. And while the numbers are stark, the problems behind them are even more complex. Let’s take a closer look at the major challenges that continue to make healthcare so hard to access in the U.S.

Major Problems Making U.S. Healthcare Hard to Access

The U.S. has some of the best doctors, hospitals, and medical innovations in the world. But for millions of Americans, quality care still feels out of reach.

Even with over $4.5 trillion spent on healthcare annually, many people struggle to afford a simple check-up or prescription. In fact, around 1 in 4 adults say they’ve had to choose between paying for healthcare or essentials like food and rent.

From rising costs to long wait times and massive coverage gaps, here are some major problems making it harder for Americans to get the care they need and deserve.

1. High Cost of Medical Care

Medical expenses in the US are among the highest in the world, making healthcare unaffordable for many. The average hospital stay costs over $11,700, compared to around $5,000 in other developed nations. Many Americans delay or forgo necessary treatment due to out-of-pocket expenses. Even insured individuals struggle with rising co-pays, deductibles, and surprise bills. For some, even a sprained ankle can lead to a $2,000 bill and weeks of stress, highlighting just how fragile access to care can be in a system where costs often outweigh coverage.

2. Disparities in Healthcare Access

Access to healthcare in the US is often dictated by socioeconomic status, race, and geography. Rural communities, home to 46 million Americans, struggle with doctor shortages and hospital closures. Among the most affected are Indigenous and Native American populations. They face some of the nation’s worst health disparities, including higher rates of diabetes, maternal mortality, and suicide. Meanwhile, racial minorities face higher rates of chronic illnesses but receive lower-quality care. This healthcare divide exacerbates health outcomes and life expectancy gaps across different populations.

3. Administrative Complexity and Inefficiency

The US healthcare system is bogged down by excessive bureaucracy, increasing costs, and delayed care. Billing and insurance-related administrative costs account for 25% of all healthcare spending. Patients and providers struggle with complex paperwork, prior authorizations, and inconsistent insurance policies. The lack of price transparency makes it difficult for patients to compare and plan for medical expenses. It leaves many to feel anxious, frustrated, and powerless. For some, just trying to understand a hospital bill or fight a denied insurance claim can feel like a second full-time job.

4. Mental Health and Substance Abuse Issues

Despite increasing awareness, mental health care remains underfunded and difficult to access. Over 50 million Americans experience mental illness, yet nearly 60% do not receive treatment due to cost or provider shortages. With limited outpatient options, emergency rooms and police departments often become the default responders to mental health crises, a role they’re not equipped to handle. This puts immense strain on both systems, leading to overcrowded ERs, increased incarceration, and missed opportunities for early intervention. The opioid crisis further strains the system, with over 80,000 drug overdose deaths annually, making addiction treatment more critical than ever.

5. Shortage of Healthcare Workers

A nationwide shortage of doctors and nurses threatens patient care, especially in underserved areas. By 2034, the US could face a shortage of up to 124,000 physicians, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. Long working hours, burnout, and insufficient wages contribute to high turnover rates, worsening the crisis. Moreover, burnout is also causing younger healthcare professionals to leave the field early or avoid entering it altogether. It raises concerns about the future of the workforce.

6. Preventive Care is Underutilized

Preventive care can reduce long-term healthcare costs, yet many Americans skip screenings and check-ups. Only 8% of adults receive all recommended preventive services, often due to high costs, lack of awareness, and inadequate insurance coverage. Community health workers and mobile clinics can help close this gap by bringing basic screenings, vaccinations, and health education directly to neighborhoods in need. These outreach efforts improve early detection of diseases like cancer and diabetes, build trust in underserved communities, and ultimately save lives by making care more accessible where it’s needed most.

7. Aging Population and Chronic Diseases

The aging US population is increasing the demand for healthcare services. By 2030, 1 in 5 Americans will be over 65, leading to a surge in chronic illnesses like diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and heart disease. Medicare spending is projected to double by 2050, raising concerns about financial sustainability. Yet, few people have long-term care insurance, leaving much of the burden to unpaid family caregivers. These individuals often juggle full-time jobs while providing essential support to aging loved ones. In doing so, they shoulder immense emotional, physical, and financial stress, especially as the healthcare system struggles to keep pace with growing needs.

8. Medical Debt and Bankruptcy

In the US, medical debt is one of the leading causes of bankruptcy. Nearly 40% of adults have some form of medical debt, forcing many to choose between paying for healthcare and basic needs. Even insured individuals face high costs, emergency bills, and long-term financial burdens. Unlike other countries, the US lacks regulations to cap medical prices.

9. Public Health Crises and Pandemic Preparedness

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed major weaknesses in the US healthcare system. Over 1.1 million Americans died from COVID-19, highlighting gaps in emergency response and hospital capacity. Inequality in vaccine distribution and supply chain disruptions further strained the system. Rural and low-income communities were hit especially hard, often facing delayed access to testing, fewer ICU beds, and limited staffing. 

These disparities underscore the need for more equitable pandemic preparedness. Future health crises will require stronger coordination, targeted support for vulnerable areas, and greater investment in public health infrastructure to ensure no community is left behind.

Potential Solutions for Better Healthcare Access

The U.S. healthcare system has big problems, but also big potential. Through robust policies, tech innovation, and community investment, we can make healthcare more affordable and accessible for everyone.

1. Policy Initiatives to Expand Healthcare Coverage

Expanding government programs and introducing cost control measures can make healthcare more accessible. Medicaid expansion in all states could cover millions of uninsured low-income individuals. Strengthening the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by increasing subsidies and capping out-of-pocket costs would help reduce financial burdens on families. Additionally, public health initiatives promoting preventive care can lower long-term costs by reducing chronic disease prevalence.

At the broader end of the policy spectrum, some advocates support universal healthcare models, such as Medicare for All. It aims to simplify the system and guarantee coverage for everyone, though these proposals remain politically divisive and under active debate.

2. The Role of Telemedicine and Digital Health Solutions

Telemedicine use skyrocketed during the pandemic, and it’s here to stay. According to the review published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, virtual visits can cut travel time and costs, especially for the 15% of Americans living in rural areas with limited provider access.

A 2023 study found that 91% of telehealth users were satisfied with their care, and nearly half said it helped them avoid a more expensive ER visit. Expanding coverage for these services can make a huge difference, especially for those juggling work, kids, or chronic illness.

3. Steps Towards a More Equitable and Affordable Healthcare System

To close healthcare gaps, we need to invest where it matters most:

• Rural & underserved areas: Incentives like student loan forgiveness can encourage more healthcare providers to practice in communities that lack access to care.
• Price transparency: Enforcing clear pricing in hospitals and clinics helps patients make informed decisions and avoid surprise medical bills.
• Prescription drug costs: Letting programs like Medicare negotiate drug prices could bring down the cost of essential medications and make treatment more affordable for all.

Together, these steps form a practical roadmap toward a healthcare system built on fairness, transparency, and long-term well-being. They help ensure that no one is left behind simply because of where they live or how much they earn.

A Healthier Future Is Within Reach

World Health Day 2025 is a reminder that health is a human right. We need to expand coverage, lower costs, and invest in innovation to build a stronger, more inclusive system. But real change also starts at the community level, with informed and empowered individuals.

One simple yet powerful step you can take today is to learn lifesaving skills. Courses like BLS, CPR & AED, and first aid certification prepare you to act in emergencies and make a real impact before professional help arrives. So, join the movement and enroll in a certified course to make your home, school, or workplace safer and more prepared.