Why Does Universal Health Coverage Matter?

Universal Health Coverage, one of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals, seeks to tackle the pressing global issue of Health care to ensure that everyone has access to good health care without financial struggles.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an

agency found within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,

“Adults aged 18 to 64 who have been identified as being in poor physical health typically exhibit chronic health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, heart disease, being overweight, or combinations of these conditions; chronic conditions such as these are linked with higher health care expenditures."

Additional studies have linked behavioral health conditions with poorer physical health outcomes for those with chronic health conditions and suggest that a lack of health care

insurance can also be linked to poorer outcomes for both behavioral and physical health. Individuals with behavioral health conditions also have higher out-of-pocket costs than those

without such conditions.

People in poor physical health reporting behavioral health conditions have proportionately lower health insurance coverage and may face barriers to treatment access. This report focuses on the insurance status and health care expenditures of adults aged 18 to 64 in poor physical health who reported behavioral health conditions. ”

As seen in this report done by SAMHSA, poor health leads to multiple issues and diseases that require extensive care and money. Due to this, it is imperative to have good health coverage to all persons to mitigate these health care obstacles. Although many countries are far from achieving universal health coverage, it still remains a vital goal. Without addressing or engaging with this pressing issue, change cannot occur.

In order for Universal Coverage to be achieved, access to health care must be easily attainable and financially affordable. But how can this be done? What measures can be taken in order to accomplish this?

There are many ways in which Universal Coverage can be achieved. This includes:

1. Increasing health system resilience

Health care systems need to possess the ability to quickly recognize and respond to issues and threats posed in the health sector is imperative for us to move forward.

2. Investing in subnational health systems

In order to achieve Universal Health Coverage, it is imperative for governments, stakeholders, funders, etc to invest in comprehensive Primary Health care systems that do not diminish or reduce resources from other health care systems.

3. Digitizing health systems

Having digitized health care systems is essential for the improvement of the health care sector as well as for Universal Health Coverage. Digital healthcare systems are used to promote effective diagnosis, treatment, and care for diseases that affect thousands of their citizens.

In conclusion, Universal Health Coverage is a necessity that requires immediate action to see

meaningful change in the future. Will you make a difference?

References:

(n.d.). Health-insurance.jpg

(n.d.). The Global Goals: Overcoming the World's Challenges. Retrieved July 14, 2024, from https://www.globalgoals.org

Green, K., & Dempsey, A. (2022, April 6). Universal health coverage: 5 ways to get there faster.

PATH. Retrieved July 14, 2024, from https://www.path.org/our-impact/articles/universal-health-coverage-5-ways-get-there-faster/

Pablo, J. (2022, December 9). 4 priorities to achieve universal health coverage. World Bank Blogs. Retrieved July 14, 2024, from https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/health/4-priorities-achieve-universal-health-coverage

Roeber, P., McClellan, C., & Woodward, A. (n.d.). Adults in Poor Physical Health Reporting Behavioral Health Conditions Have Higher Health Costs. SAMHSA. Retrieved July 14, 2024, from https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/report_2107/ShortReport-2107.html

Universal health coverage and universal access - PMC. (n.d.). NCBI. Retrieved July 14, 2024, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3738317/