Kentucky’s low uninsured rate does not guarantee access to needed health care, as residents still face significant barriers such as too few doctors, high out-of-pocket costs, transportation challenges, mistrust, and administrative hurdles. Many Kentuckians delay care until emergencies, leading to poorer outcomes and higher costs, and report feeling dismissed or experiencing bias in the health system. The study emphasizes that true improvement requires better access, reduced red tape, and respectful treatment for all patients.
The Asclepius Initiative regularly conducts surveys to capture the views of Kentucky adults on health care coverage and affordability, as well as their attitudes and beliefs about the U.S. health care system. Survey participants were matched to Kentucky’s demographics, including factors such as age, gender, race, insurance status, type of coverage, and urban versus rural residence.
Many assumptions about the United States’ health care system don’t match reality. We break it down for you so you can better understand how health care coverage works, who it leaves out, why having insurance doesn’t equal getting care, and how universal coverage could help us all.
We’ll explain the complexity and expense of the U.S. health care system, outlining key insurance terms like premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs while warning about the administrative burdens of pre-authorizations and privatized Medicare models such as Medicare Advantage and ACO REACH. It highlights the U.S.’s poor ranking in health outcomes and efficiency compared to other wealthy nations, and shares details on the No Surprises Act, which protects consumers from unexpected balance billing for certain medical services.
Universal health care is a system where everyone can access necessary health services without financial hardship. It emphasizes that health care is a fundamental human right and should include preventive care, treatment, and rehabilitation. It highlights that countries like the U.K., the Netherlands, and Germany provide universal coverage with better health outcomes and more equitable access. In contrast, the U.S., which spends the most on health care, ranks last among wealthy nations in overall performance. The Asclepius Initiative promotes universal health care in Kentucky and the U.S. as an affordable, fair model that reduces barriers and improves community health.