Affordable Healthcare Access

Overview

America spends $14,885 per person on healthcare—2.5x the developed world average—yet ranks last among comparable nations on overall health outcomes. We have the highest infant mortality and shortest life expectancy among peer countries. 26 million Americans remain uninsured. Drug prices are 2.78x higher than other countries; insulin costs 10x more. Medicare drug negotiations achieved 38-79% discounts on first 10 drugs—proof that reform works. Meanwhile, 193 rural hospitals have closed since 2005, and nearly one-third are at risk.

The Challenge

Medicare's Hospital Insurance Trust Fund faces depletion by 2033—requiring either benefit cuts or new revenue. The healthcare workforce is in crisis: projected shortage of 86,000-187,000 physicians by 2038, and 40% of nurses intend to leave by 2029. Rural America faces the worst shortages. Administrative costs consume $925 per person (versus $245 in comparable countries). There are legitimate debates about solutions—single-payer versus market reforms—but the status quo serves no one except those profiting from complexity.

The Solution

Expand Medicare drug price negotiation to more medications—the 38-79% discounts prove it works. Protect the ACA's coverage gains while improving it. Address healthcare workforce shortages through expanded training programs, loan forgiveness, and immigration reform for medical professionals. Save rural hospitals through targeted funding and telehealth expansion. Reduce administrative complexity that wastes $925 per person. We can disagree on single-payer versus markets, but we should all agree on lower drug prices, more doctors, and keeping rural hospitals open.

Expected Impact

• Expand Medicare drug negotiation beyond initial 10 medications

• Maintain $35 insulin cap and expand to all Americans

• Protect coverage for 44 million enrolled through ACA

• Address physician shortage projected at 86,000-187,000 by 2038

• Save rural hospitals—30% currently at risk of closure

• Reduce administrative costs from $925 to closer to peer nations

• Ensure Medicare solvency beyond current 2033 projection