Healthcare in the United States costs far too much for the poor outcomes that result. America has the lowest life expectancy among large, wealthy countries, while greatly outspending its peers on healthcare.

Rising health care costs are straining state and federal budgets, burdening businesses, and forcing families to choose between going to the doctor and putting food on the table.

As a consequence, individuals may struggle to pay for required care, irrespective of their insurance coverage, causing people to postpone or forgo essential medical services.

Not only does the system result in worse health outcomes, but its inefficiency also creates enormous challenges for the U.S. economy. Healthcare spending currently represents about 18% of the U.S. gross domestic product, and is projected to outpace growth in the overall economy and account for nearly one-fifth of the U.S. economy by 2031.

As healthcare costs and spending continue to grow, governments are left with fewer resources to devote to other critical public resources—like emergency preparedness, education, energy, housing, and infrastructure.