'It's a death sentence': US health insurance system is failing, say doctors

[ck4829]

American doctors are accusing US health insurance giants of causing deadly delays to vital medical procedures and care – and putting profits ahead of their patients’ health.

Firms including United Healthcare have denied basic scans, and taken months to reconsider, according to physicians who spoke to the Guardian.

“There’s good evidence that these kinds of delays literally kill people,” said Dr Ed Weisbart, former chief medical officer for Express Scripts, one of the largest prescription benefits managers in the US. “For some people, this isn’t just an inconvenience and an annoyance and an aggravation.

“It’s a death sentence, and the only reason the insurance companies do that is to maximize their profits. The fact that they might be killing you is not in the equation of what they care about.”

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jan/26/us-health-insurance-system-doctors

World's greatest healthcare system? I don't think so.

[Autumn]

1. The envy of the wold? Not hardly. I laughed when I heard that at worm

brain's confirmation hearing. Then I wanted to cry.

[ck4829]

2. I mean, if you're a debt collector, it sure is

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

3. Yeah, right. For decades, yes for decades,

our health care has been acknowledged to be one of the very worst in the world.

[IrishBubbaLiberal]

4. Mexico is better than the USA

From the experiences of multiple relatives and in-laws of mine….in Mexico.

While they are living in Mexico, all are US citizens living and working in Mexico,,,,,

Their ease and ability to quickly see a doctor on short notice is fantastic.
English speaking doctors,

Great immediate medical care, and testing, and their doctors visits are not rushed as in US,
Doctors give plenty of time to patient, not rushed through doctor visits as in US.
Test results are fast.

Medicine prescribed is extremely inexpensive.

One relative wanted to use their Medical Insurance they specifically bought
for when traveling in Mexico,,, CLINIC IN MEXICO said…

(Never bothered to use that medical travel insurance, what for)

‘do not worry about you paying anything now, just wait after you finish here,

…….their TOTAL cost was about 650 pesos ($32 USD),
…..their prescription cost was only about $4 US

That’s including doctors visit, lab work, etc

One of my relatives stated that she received the best care In Mexican clinic she went to in Puerto Vallarta than in any of her Doctor visits in USA