The Economic and Social Impacts of Providing Universal Healthcare in the United States: A Rapid Scoping Review

Abstract

Abstract Background: The United States has the unfortunate distinction of spending much more on healthcare than other countries around the world while also having poorer health outcomes.Understanding the economic and social impacts of solutions to the current state of high healthcare costs and poor outcomes is critical both from an economic and social perspective. A detailed investigation into the costs and benefits, both economic and social, is needed to understand the impact of implementing a universal healthcare model in the US. Methods: We conducted a rapid scoping review of recent literature related to universal healthcare in the United States to identify its potential economic and social impacts. We searched PubMed and Google Scholar articles published between 2020-2023, in English, and focused on universal healthcare in the US. Exclusion criteria included discussions of medical conditions without a specific tie to universal coverage, books, political think tank publications, graduate student scholarship, reference chapters in encyclopedias, and duplicate articles. Two researchers reviewed, summarized, and coded the sources. Results: Our search yielded 2070 results with 67 documents included in the final scoping review. Analysis uncovered five themes related to the economic impact of implementing a universal healthcare model in the US: 1) government spending, 2) individual spending and income, 3) national health expenditures, 4) impact on the US’s gross domestic product and economy, and 5) impacts on specific costs and cost-controls. Identified social impacts included 1) healthcare access, utilization, and health outcomes, 2) quality of care, 3) patient and provider experience, 4) individual and societal externalities, 5) potential opposition and support, and 6) equity. Conclusions: On balance, the economic and social impacts of implementing a universal healthcare system in the US are overwhelmingly positive. To be sure, there will be some sectors that will not benefit from this change, many political hurdles to overcome, and valid concerns remain about ensuring the system does not duplicate and perpetuate the current system’s inequalities and inefficiencies. When looked at overall however, a universal healthcare system in the US will be vastly superior to the current system and will improve health for less money.