Exclusive: 70% of Americans feel failed by the health care system

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Exclusive: Most Americans feel the health care system isn't doing its job By Jamie Ducharme Health Correspondent Earlier this year, I wrote about “patient burnout”: how tired people are of dealing with the U.S.’ expensive, confusing, and over-burdened health care system, to the point that some avoid seeking care at all. New data from the Harris Poll, shared exclusively with TIME, underscore how significant the problem really is. More than 70% of the U.S. adults who took the survey said the health care system fails them in at least one way, whether it’s difficulty getting appointments or the high costs of care. More than half of respondents graded the health care system a “C” or below. The dismal stats have real consequences. More than 40% of respondents said they’d skipped or delayed care in the last two years—in many cases, because of the cost or inconvenience of care—and more than 20% said they don’t see a health care provider regularly. If the system doesn’t make meaningful changes, our health may pay the price. READ MORE   Share This Story

What Else to Read Don't Use Artificial Sweeteners for Weight Loss, WHO Says By Emma Court and Thomas Mulier/Bloomberg The WHO's advice is based on a review that found products containing aspartame and stevia—like diet soda—don't help reduce body fat. Read More » Mammogram Guidelines Are Changing. But They’re Still Controversial Among Doctors By Alice Park Here's the latest mammogram screening advice from a U.S. government task force, and why the group revised its guidelines. Read More » Why Americans Are Dying So Young By Laudan Aron and Gavin Yamey One in 25 American five-year olds will not reach their 40th birthday. Read More » Biden Chooses Cancer Expert Dr. Monica Bertagnolli to Lead National Institutes of Health By LAURAN NEERGAARD/AP Last fall, Bertagnolli, a cancer surgeon, became the first female head of the NIH's National Cancer Institute. Read More » Silencing Period Talk Hurts Athletes By Christine Yu Gender bias around periods has impacted women's participation in sports and their long-term health and well-being, writes Christine Yu. Read More »

One More Read From Elsewhere Some people are born with genetic mutations that all but guarantee they’ll develop dementia by the time they turn 50. But in two documented cases, people with this mutation have managed to avoid cognitive decline for far longer than their diagnoses predicted—and, as Carolyn Y. Johnson at the Washington Post reports, researchers think their brains could hold valuable clues for treating or preventing Alzheimer’s. Read More »

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