Five months ago, I found myself on an unexpected journey that highlighted the stark contrast between health care systems in different countries. While studying abroad in London, a misguided attempt at a party trick led to an unfortunate accident—I broke my arm after getting my boot caught in a bicycle’s spokes. What followed was not just a physical battle, but also a perspective-altering experience regarding the American health care system.
Upon arriving at the emergency room, I was swiftly attended to. Medication was administered, scans conducted, and a cast was placed on my arm—all without facing any financial burden at the time. This experience was astonishing, especially when juxtaposed against the backdrop of the health care system in the United States.
In contrast to the smooth and free care I received in the UK, back home, the federal government was preparing to introduce the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” a sweeping budget proposal for health care that could significantly cut essential services like Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. This legislation aimed to slash federal spending by over $1 trillion, threatening to remove health insurance coverage from more than 10 million Americans by 2034. The implications of this were staggering.
The U.S. spends more on health care than any other comparable nation—over 17% of its GDP in 2023. Yet, it continues to leave millions without access to the care they need. The state of medical debt in the U.S. is alarming, with hundreds of billions of dollars owed, leading to a reality where more than 65% of bankruptcy cases are tied to medical expenses. In sharp contrast, the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) provides all residents with free access to public health care.
What stands out most is the lack of equitable access to health care in America, particularly affecting marginalized communities. The underfunding of Medicaid and CHIP disproportionately impacts Hispanic and Indigenous populations, and non-elderly adults and children in rural areas are more likely to depend on these programs compared to those in urban settings. As federal budget cuts loom, it is impossible to ignore these disparities; they not only reflect systemic failings but also contribute to a deepening health crisis.
While the issue of excessive spending in U.S. health care deserves critical conversation—administrative costs and high drug prices being key contributors—targeting cuts to vital programs such as Medicare and Medicaid is not a viable solution. It merely benefits pharmaceutical companies and insurance providers at the expense of American lives.
What is particularly disheartening is how health care has become a polarized issue. The necessity for essential health care transcends political divides. All individuals, regardless of their ideology, face vulnerabilities from accidents, aging, or chronic illnesses. External factors such as food deserts, climate change, and marketing of unhealthy foods compound these vulnerabilities, especially in urban areas.
It is vital for Americans to look past partisan lines and advocate for the right to compassionate care, especially in times of crisis. Health care should not be a privilege afforded to a select few, but rather a fundamental human right available to all. As my experience in London vividly illustrated, accessible health care has profound implications on individuals’ well-being and livelihoods.
The need for systemic change in the U.S. health care system is urgent. Not only do we need to address budget cuts that threaten the most vulnerable populations, but we also need to rethink how health care is delivered. Embracing a model that prioritizes universal access could pave the way for a healthier society and reduce the burdens that come with inadequate medical care.
Ultimately, my international accident forced me to confront the glaring inadequacies of American health care. Now, as we navigate an increasingly complex political landscape, it becomes paramount for citizens to unite and demand a system that reflects the human right to health care for all. The lessons learned from my accident are clear: our health is our wealth, and it is time to fight for a system that values the lives of its citizens over profits.
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