Health equity is a critical issue in the United States. The disparities in health outcomes, which are influenced by race, socioeconomic status, and geographic location, highlight the need for complete reform.
In 2021, there were 1.5 million fewer uninsured nonelderly individuals than in 2019, but 27.5 million people remained without coverage. A significant proportion of the uninsured are low-income families.
People of colour are disproportionately at higher risk of being uninsured, and in 2021, approximately 69.6% of uninsured adults cited the high cost of coverage as the primary reason for their lack of insurance.
Image source: Kaiser Family Foundation
High healthcare costs can lead to financial strain for individuals and families, and can be a barrier to accessing necessary care. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the COVID-19 pandemic brought healthcare inequalities into sharper focus, revealing a disproportionate impact on racially marginalised groups. Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous communities experienced higher rates of infection, hospitalisation, and death compared to their white counterparts, illustrating the deep-rooted structural inequities in the U.S. healthcare system.
In 2017, Reos Partners formed a team consisting of representatives from different sectors of the US healthcare system to address the ongoing challenges in the industry. The team collaborated to develop Health System Scenarios that explore possible trajectories for healthcare and health equity in the United States from 2017 to 2030.
The Transformative Scenario Process was used to help craft these scenarios.
The scenarios sought to answer a pressing question:
How could the United States improve health outcomes?
Three distinct scenarios emerged out of this process, each offering a unique perspective on the potential future of the American healthcare system. These scenarios served as a lens through which to view the possible trajectories the system could take.
- Scenario 1: The Marketplace Approach
This scenario looked at how change could be driven by politicians, consumers, and companies concerned about excessive government regulation.
- Scenario 2: The Conference Room Initiative
This scenario looked at how change could be driven by government, employers, and other powerful stakeholders concerned about the high economic cost of illness.
- Scenario 3 The Kitchen Table Revolution
This scenario looked at how change could be driven by activists from vulnerable and marginalised communities concerned about health inequity.
These scenarios are not static predictions; they are dynamic tools designed to help engage diverse voices across the system. By contemplating the possibilities, risks, and choices inherent in each scenario, individuals and organisations can better understand the challenges and opportunities within their unique social, political, and environmental contexts.
The scenarios provide a framework for generating and testing strategic options, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions to shape the future of equitable healthcare and equality.
To explore the development of these scenarios, we hosted a webinar to:
- Provide insights into the principles of scenario planning;
- Share the construction of the three distinct scenarios;
- Offer in-depth analysis of the challenges and opportunities inherent in each scenario;
- Examine the potential implications these scenarios could hold for health equity in the years to come.
The panellists included experts and thought leaders across the system, who discussed the "Health System Scenarios: Possible Futures for Health and Health Equity in the USA, 2017-2030" in detail.
Our speakers included:
- Brenna Atnikov, Reos Partners
- Carrie Cihak, King County Executive Dow Constantine
- Rosanne Haggerty, Community Solutions
- Tassiana Willis, Singer, writer, and actress
Click on the video below to get started.
Achieving health equity, and ensuring that all Americans have equal access to quality healthcare services should be a central and unwavering commitment, not just for the sake of better health outcomes but as a fundamental element of social justice.
The scenarios developed, and the discussions around them, serve as a reminder that progress is possible when diverse stakeholders come together to address complex challenges, ultimately striving for a more equitable and healthier future for all.
Is your work focused on influencing the health and well-being of individuals and communities? Are you seeking out high-impact ways to achieve health and health equity in the United States?
Click here to get in touch with us, we’d love to see how we can collaborate to continue to drive positive and equitable change to our healthcare system.