1. United States
2. Utah
3. Letter

As a concerned citizen, I am writing to urge you to take immediate action to address the healthcare cost crisis in our country. The United States spends more per capita on healthcare than any other nation, yet we continue to lag behind in terms of access and outcomes, particularly for lower-income individuals and minorities. This situation is not only unsustainable but also undermines our nation's potential for true exceptionalism in healthcare. Our current healthcare system, while providing world-class services and innovation in some areas, is fundamentally flawed. The lack of price transparency, high insurance costs, and a commercialized market ethos have created a "frog in slowly heating water" scenario, where costs have spiraled out of control over time. Despite the various forms of provision and insurance available, approximately 8% of our population remains uninsured, a stark contrast to the universal access achieved by many European nations. I believe we can learn valuable lessons from European healthcare systems without compromising our unique American values. These systems offer universal access and solidarity-based financing, viewing health as a social right rather than a private responsibility. By adopting similar principles, we could potentially reduce costs while improving outcomes for all Americans. Implementing such changes will undoubtedly be challenging, given the differences in welfare-state philosophy and political culture between the US and Europe. However, I firmly believe that it is both necessary and possible to create a uniquely American solution that incorporates the best aspects of European models while maintaining our commitment to innovation and excellence. I urge you to initiate a comprehensive review of European healthcare systems, particularly focusing on their methods of cost control and universal access. We must move away from the dominance of for-profit entities in our healthcare system, which experts argue is creating chaos and harm. Instead, we should strive for a system that balances the needs of all stakeholders while prioritizing the health and well-being of every American. The time for action is now. We have the opportunity to be truly exceptional by creating a healthcare system that is both cost-effective and universally accessible. I ask that you champion this cause in Congress, pushing for legislation that will bring about meaningful reform in our healthcare system. Our nation's health and economic future depend on it.