Millions of Americans are bracing for a healthcare reckoning as pandemic-era Medicaid expansions expire, leaving vulnerable populations scrambling for alternatives. Recent data reveals systemic challenges: The U.S. spends more on healthcare per capita than any nation globally, yet 40% of adults struggle to afford care, according to a December 2022 Gallup survey.
CGTN interviewed three residents navigating this crisis. A single mother in Texas described rationing insulin due to costs, while a freelance designer in Ohio admitted avoiding checkups despite chronic pain. 'I can’t afford to prioritize my health,' she said. A retired veteran in Florida emphasized the stress: 'One hospital visit could wipe out my savings.'
With Medicaid enrollment expected to drop by 15 million this year, advocates warn of deepened inequality. The World Economic Forum notes U.S. healthcare spending hit $4.3 trillion in 2021 – nearly double the OECD average – yet outcomes lag behind peer nations. As safety nets shrink, many face an impossible choice: financial ruin or untreated illness.
Reference(s):
'Finding True America': The medical plight of three Americans
cgtn.com
