U.S. health system ranks last among wealthy nations

Compared to people in other high-income countries, Americans of all incomes have the hardest time affording the health care they need. (Photo: Shutterstock)

The U.S. health system ranks last among 11 high-income countries in providing equitably accessible, affordable, high-quality health care, a new Commonwealth Fund study found. Norway, the Netherlands and Australia were the top overall performers.

“What this report tells us is that our health care system is not working for Americans, particularly those with lower incomes, who are at a severe disadvantage compared to citizens of other countries,” said Dr. David Blumenthal, president of the Commonwealth Fund. “And they are paying the price with their health and their lives. To catch up with other high-income countries, the administration and Congress would have to expand access to health care, equitably, to all Americans, act aggressively to control costs and invest in the social services we know can lead to a healthier population.”