America’s healthcare system presents a fascinating paradox: we spend more per capita than any other developed nation—yet achieve poorer health outcomes and face significant barriers to care. This course demystifies our complex healthcare landscape, and its evolution into a fragmented system made up of Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, the Affordable Care Act and self-pay. We’ll follow the money trail of our $4.3 trillion healthcare expenditure, examining funding mechanisms and comparing our performance internationally. A critical focus will be the estimated $300-500 billion lost annually to waste, fraud, and profit-driven intermediaries who extract value without delivering care. Finally, we’ll evaluate current reform proposals, including Colorado’s single-payer study legislation and federal Medicare for All bills, analyzing their funding mechanisms and political challenges/impediments. Through expert presentations, curated resources, and robust discussion, participants will gain the knowledge needed to understand—America’s healthcare past, present and, perhaps what its future can be.
Required: Medicare for All A Citizens Guide Recommended: online videos
