US Healthcare: A Sick System

From the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2010 to the disruptions of a once-in-a-century pandemic, the past decade has seen rapid evolution in the US health care system. Behind the partisan political controversy, where does US health care stand today? What’s working in the system and what isn’t? And are we any closer to a sustainable approach that can both lower costs and improve outcomes?

In this episode, The Conference Board CEO Steve Odland hosts a wide-ranging conversation Steve Messinger, partner at ECG Management Consultants and recognized leader in health care consulting. Tune in to explore:

• What is the history behind the US health care system and what forces have driven its evolution to the model we have today?
• What has changed since the enactment of the ACA? A decade after passage, how has the landmark bill lived up to its goals on health care quality, access, and cost?
• Why is health care so expensive in the US, and what areas can be targeted to control costs: Preventative care? Acute care? Prescriptions? The fee-for-service model?
• How has COVID-19 impacted the national landscape of health care? What did we learn from the pandemic and what are the implications going forward?
• What can we learn from other countries? What are pros and cons can we take from systems such as those in Canada, the UK, the rest of Europe, and further afield?
• Why is health care so difficult to “fix”? Are there any obvious changes to regulations or policy choices that can deliver major benefits at relatively little cost in funds and disruption?

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