5 Things America Could Learn from Argentina about Healthcare Costs

In the United States, healthcare is one of the most expensive items in people's budgets. Out-of-pocket expenses for healthcare can amount to a significant portion of people's incomes, and as a result, many are looking for ways to reduce their healthcare costs. One country that has seen great success in reducing healthcare costs is Argentina.

Argentina has made remarkable progress in managing its healthcare costs, making it an excellent example for other countries to follow. Despite being an upper-middle-income country with a population of more than 45 million people, Argentina spends far less on healthcare than other developed nations. In this article, we will explore how Argentina manages to keep healthcare costs down.

Universal healthcare coverage

Argentina has a universal healthcare system, which means that every citizen is entitled to free, comprehensive medical care. This system is funded by the government and covers everything from preventative care to emergency medical treatment. With universal healthcare coverage, Argentina can provide essential health services to its citizens without incurring additional costs.

Focus on preventive care

Preventive care is a critical component of Argentina's healthcare system. The government has invested in programs that promote healthy lifestyles and disease prevention. For example, the country has implemented a National Plan for the Control of Non-Communicable Diseases, which aims to reduce the incidence of chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. By focusing on preventive care, Argentina can avoid costly hospitalizations and treatments that can drive up healthcare costs.

Pharmaceutical price controls

Argentina has implemented strict price controls on pharmaceuticals, which helps to keep healthcare costs down. The government regulates the prices of medications and medical devices to ensure that they are affordable for all citizens. This policy has been successful in reducing the cost of medications, making them accessible to low-income families.

Negotiating with healthcare providers

Argentina's government negotiates with healthcare providers to keep costs low. This negotiation includes everything from medication prices to the cost of medical procedures. By negotiating with healthcare providers, the government can ensure that it is getting the best value for its money. This policy has allowed Argentina to keep healthcare costs down while still providing high-quality care to its citizens.

Investment in primary care

Argentina has invested heavily in primary care, which has helped to reduce the burden on hospitals and specialty care providers. Primary care services are provided by general practitioners, who offer basic medical care, preventative care, and referrals to specialists when needed. By investing in primary care, Argentina can catch health problems early on, preventing them from becoming more severe and costly.

In conclusion, Argentina has successfully managed to keep healthcare costs down through a combination of policies and investments. The country's universal healthcare system, focus on preventive care, pharmaceutical price controls, negotiation with healthcare providers, and investment in primary care have all contributed to its success. By following Argentina's example, other countries can learn from its policies and reduce healthcare costs while still providing high-quality care to their citizens.

Jerry Nelson is an American writer living the expat life in Argentina and winner of the Revi 2021 Reader Award. You can find him at any of hundreds of sidewalk cafes and hire him through Fiverr, join the quarter-million who follow him on Twitter or contact him at [email protected]

Jerry Nelson is an American writer living the expat life in Buenos Aires. Some of the adventures Jerry has enjoyed, he jumped into the ocean from the flight deck of an aircraft carrier in the Gulf of Aden, cut off a goat's balls as part of a mating ritual in Indonesia, raced a NASCAR around the oval in Charlotte, created a small coin purse out of live Tarantulas in Australia's outback, spent six-weeks with the Sinaloa cartel along the U.S./Mexican border and sailed a 16th century schooner through the sound and into the open ocean.

Never far from his coffee and Marlboros, Jerry is always glad to discuss future working opportunities. Email him at [email protected] and join the quarter-million who follow him on Twitter.

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