U.S. Healthcare System Criticized for High Costs and Poor Outcomes in Global Report
The Commonwealth Fund's 2026 report card on U.S. healthcare highlights significant shortcomings compared to other wealthy nations. Despite spending 18% of its economy on healthcare, the U.S. achieves poor results, with life expectancy below peers and high rates of preventable deaths. The report grades coverage, affordability, delivery of care, and equity, with the U.S. failing or nearly failing in each area. The country lacks guaranteed coverage for all, with 27 million uninsured Americans. The report also criticizes the U.S. for having the fewest primary care doctors per capita and high maternal mortality rates among Black women. Internationally, the U.S. has reduced its role in global health aid, leading to projected increases in preventable deaths worldwide. 
