Question

(TCO 1) Compare healthcare in the United States today with healthcare in the 1800s. What are the most important differences?

Answer 1

The history of healthcare in the United States is different from most countries, which resulted in them having their own system - one that is currently loved and hated in equal parts. In the late 1800s, no formalised structure for healthcare existed (unlike now, when rules and guidelines are laid down). Most of the cost of healthcare was borne by unions (since it was the Industrial Revolution). The dangerous nature of people's work resulted in creation of sickness protection acts, to shied union members from catastrophic financial losses due to injury or sickness. Around this time, there was little to no organized structure and most decisions were made on a trial and error basis.

Now, a large portion of taxpayer's money goes into national, affordable healthcare for all. Apart from pre-existing condition clause, the Affordable Care Act passed by the Obama administration also offers prenatal and maternal care coverage - something which was never included in any policy so far. The cost of healthcare now accounts for 17.4% of the GDP.

Hope this helped!