Why America is failing its health report card | Robert B Shpiner
The Commonwealth Fund's 2026 report card highlights significant failures in the US healthcare system, which spends 18% of its economy on healthcare yet achieves poor outcomes. Black women face particularly high maternal mortality rates, and millions lack access to regular medical care. Additionally, the US has reduced its global health aid, raising concerns about future disease outbreaks and public health responses.
- ▪The US spends 18% of its economy on healthcare, nearly double that of comparable nations.
- ▪Black women die in childbirth at a higher rate than in any other wealthy country.
- ▪The US has the fewest primary care doctors per capita, with 27 million Americans lacking coverage.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
‘Black women die in childbirth here at a rate higher than the national rate of any other wealthy country measured.’ Photograph: BongkarnThanyakij/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreen‘Black women die in childbirth here at a rate higher than the national rate of any other wealthy country measured.’ Photograph: BongkarnThanyakij/Getty ImagesOpinionUS healthcareWhy America is failing its health report cardRobert B ShpinerAmericans spend 18% of our economy on healthcare, nearly twice the average of comparable nations, for worse resultsFri 29 May 2026 09.00 EDTLast modified on Fri 29 May 2026 09.01 EDTShareThe Commonwealth Fund published its 2026 report card on US healthcare this week, measuring the United States against 19 other wealthy countries.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Guardian — US.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from The Guardian — US
