The United States has long boasted world-class medical innovations and care. Yet, for millions of Americans, the health care system often feels like an overwhelming maze—complex, costly, and, at times, inequitable. This sentiment was echoed by UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty, who acknowledged during a recent earnings call that the system “needs to function better.” His comments not only addressed the systemic flaws in U.S. health care but also shed light on the urgent need for reforms that prioritize people over profit.
At Information Side Road, we see this pivotal moment in health care as an opportunity to shift the focus back to the individuals who rely on these systems. By integrating people-first strategies, companies and policymakers can help create a more transparent, accessible, and equitable system for patients, providers, and employees alike.
Putting People Over Profit
One of the most striking aspects of Witty’s remarks was his candid acknowledgment of the profit-driven incentives embedded within the U.S. health care system. High health care costs often serve to benefit certain participants in the system, while patients bear the financial burden. This is particularly evident in the disparity of drug prices, with medications like the weight loss drug GLP costing ten times more in the U.S. than in Europe.
For patients, these inflated costs are more than a financial inconvenience—they can mean the difference between accessing life-saving treatments or going without care. A system designed to maximize profits risks alienating the very people it is meant to serve. Addressing this imbalance requires a shift in priorities, where the health and well-being of individuals take precedence over financial gain.
Reducing Complexity For Patients
Witty also highlighted how the fragmented nature of U.S. health care—split between state, federal, and private programs—creates confusion for patients. This complexity often leads to gaps in care, unnecessary costs, and frustration for those attempting to navigate the system.
For example, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) have faced criticism for their opaque pricing structures, which can result in patients paying dramatically different amounts for the same medication depending on their insurer or pharmacy. Simplifying these processes and providing transparent pricing is essential for restoring trust and improving access to care.
This complexity isn’t just a patient issue—it affects providers and insurers, too. Streamlining processes and fostering collaboration between stakeholders can create a system where everyone benefits. For instance, better coordination between drug companies, insurers, and PBMs could lead to more consistent pricing and fewer barriers for patients in need of medication.
Building A Culture Of Accountability
Another critical aspect of reform is fostering accountability across the health care landscape. Witty emphasized UnitedHealth’s commitment to improving transparency and addressing inefficiencies within the system, but these efforts must extend beyond one organization. Industry-wide accountability is necessary to ensure that reforms translate into real benefits for patients.
Policymakers, for example, have a role to play in regulating pricing practices and holding all players—from drug manufacturers to insurers—responsible for their impact on health care costs. Patients and providers should have access to clear, straightforward information about costs, coverage, and available options.
A Shared Responsibility For Better Care
As Witty noted, there are no simple solutions to fixing the flaws in U.S. health care. However, progress starts with a commitment to putting people first. By focusing on transparency, reducing barriers to care, and prioritizing patient outcomes, we can begin to rebuild trust and create a system that works for everyone.
At Information Side Road, we’re dedicated to supporting organizations and individuals in addressing these challenges by giving you the latest health news available. Whether you’re a business adapting to regulatory changes, a provider advocating for better outcomes, or a patient seeking clarity, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn how we can work together to create strategies that improve health care for all.