Have you ever seen that one South Park special? The one about weight loss and Ozempic? I watched that episode only to reel over the experiences about the struggles I have with getting any kind of healthcare. Issues that I’m sure many people are struggling with today. So let’s fix that, let’s go over the issues of health insurance and healthcare. How current events are making it worse. And how people will be able to survive. Because while we can’t stop the storm from coming, we can at least survive the flood and avoid it in the future.
When it comes to health insurance in America, navigating the system can feel like an arduous journey filled with obstacles and frustration. It’s almost as if you have to jump through hoops just to reach someone who can actually help you. After numerous phone calls, long hold times, and endless paperwork, you finally get connected to a representative, only to find out you need to be transferred to yet another department. This cycle often feels never-ending and disheartening. Throughout this process, I can’t shake the feeling that access to quality care is often dictated by factors like wealth or connections. It seems that those who have financial means or know someone in the hospital can maneuver through the system with relative ease. They might receive faster appointments or better options simply because of their status, while the average person struggles to get basic answers or timely treatment. The disparity is alarming, and it raises questions about fairness and equity in healthcare. Why should access to necessary medical care depend on personal circumstances rather than on the needs of the patient? This often leaves individuals feeling powerless, as they confront roadblocks that seem designed to favor those with greater resources.This statement sums it up the best: “Waiting list for home and community-based services can last for years, effectively denying people support and necessary home health care” (Haley, Moss) It’s a frustrating reality that many face, and it highlights the critical need for reform in our health insurance system to ensure that everyone receives the care they deserve, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
In the United States, it is a well known fact that just taking an appointment will give you a bill and put a dent in your wallet. At this point, it is a meme on the internet. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, this issue is compounded by a projected shortage of healthcare professionals. “This shortage is projected to worsen due to several factors, including an aging population, high nurse turnover rates, the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and a critical shortage of nurse educators” (Nwozichi, Chinomso, et al.) Yet despite this fact there’s a huge unwillingness to hire experienced nurses and doctors due to either unwillingness to pay a higher wage or unfamiliarity. he lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have only intensified these challenges, as many healthcare workers have faced unprecedented stress, leading to further departures from the field. Moreover, the lack of qualified nurse educators plays a critical role in this crisis. Without enough nurse educators to train new nurses, the pipeline for future healthcare professionals is significantly hindered, resulting in fewer skilled workers entering the field. Unfortunately, despite these pressing issues, there remains a considerable unwillingness among healthcare institutions to hire experienced nurses and doctors. This reluctance often stems from the decision-makers’ unwillingness to pay higher wages necessary to attract and retain such talent. In some cases, there is also an uncomfortable unfamiliarity with the qualifications and skills of seasoned professionals, leading to a preference for hiring less experienced workers who may come at a lower cost. As we navigate this complex and troubling landscape, it becomes increasingly clear that the challenges facing our healthcare system demand urgent attention and innovative solutions. The combination of high patient demand, workforce shortages, and financial constraints creates a perfect storm that threatens the quality of care available to the population. Addressing these issues will require a concerted effort from policymakers, healthcare providers, and educational institutions to ensure that we can meet the healthcare needs of today and tomorrow.
I’m currently single, and as I navigate this stage of my life, I can’t help but feel the weight of my responsibilities toward my family. My mother and grandmother are both aging, and their concerns about my future grow more pronounced each day. They often express their worries about what will happen to me when they are no longer around. This has made me acutely aware of the importance of building a support system and relationships that can see me through tough times. The world around us has changed drastically since Covid, leaving behind a surreal sense of normalcy that is hard to grasp. Many aspects of daily life have been transformed, and the uncertainty can be unsettling. In the health world, it had shifted in a far more unstable foundation than it has before. Currently things have slow down a bit but things have certainly not gotten better over the long years.
The 2025 plan, a document most of TikTok is constantly yet not many people have read its full contents. In the 2025 plan, there will be cuts to Medicaid and other services which have already taken effect. This plan outlines a series of proposed changes that many view as controversial and consequential. As others reference it for support or opposition, a deeper understanding of its particulars is crucial. The reduction of funding and services could lead to significant challenges for those who depend on these resources, igniting a sense of urgency among advocates and community members who are committed to fighting for the rights and needs of marginalized groups.There will fight for it. Activists, politicians, and concerned citizens are gearing up for what they anticipate will be a lengthy and passionate struggle to defend essential services like Medicaid. The upcoming fights could involve rallies, advocacy campaigns, and a push for legislative changes, all aimed at ensuring that vulnerable populations continue to receive the support they need.
While things may seem bleak for the future of healthcare, there is still hope and solutions that can be made. The challenges we face are significant—rising costs, unequal access to care, and the impact of chronic diseases, among others. However, these challenges also present opportunities for innovation and reform. Advancements in technology, such as telemedicine and artificial intelligence, are beginning to transform the way we deliver care, making it more efficient and accessible. Moreover, a growing emphasis on preventive care and holistic health approaches is encouraging individuals to take charge of their health, which can lead to better outcomes and reduced strain on healthcare systems. Collaboration among healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations is essential to creating a more equitable system. By working together, we can implement targeted initiatives that address the needs of underserved populations, ensuring that everyone has access to quality care. Education and awareness are equally important; empowering patients with knowledge about their health can lead to more informed decision-making and improved health literacy. As we navigate these complex issues, it’s crucial to remain optimistic and proactive, recognizing that change is possible when we commit to collaboration, innovation, and compassion in healthcare.While things may seem bleak for the future of healthcare, there still hope and solutions one could make. And if even that doesn’t work, there still places and people to assist in times of crisis. So please, stay SAFE, stay EDUCATED, and stay KIND!
Nwozichi, Chinomso, et al. “Navigating New Horizons: Experiences of African-Educated Nurses Transitioning To the American Healthcare System.” Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, Sept. 2025, pp. 1–16. EBSCOhost, https://doi-org.uncfsu.idm.oclc.org/10.1007/s10903-025-01754-2.
Moss, Haley. “‘I’m Tired of Waiting’: Diagnosing Accessibility Issues and Inequality for Patients with Disabilities within the American Healthcare System.” University of Memphis Law Review, vol. 51, no. 4, June 2021, pp. 1011–48. EBSCOhost, research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=c63e892a-dbde-350f-bbf6-428382e4ab5e.
