Why We Need to Reform the U.S. Healthcare System Now

I’ve been through the wringer with the medical system. It’s not just about waiting rooms or insurance forms. It’s about lives hanging in the balance. When I look back at my own journey, I see a system that’s broken in many ways. It’s why I believe reforming healthcare systems is not just necessary—it’s urgent.

Why We Need to Start Reforming Healthcare Systems Now

Let me be clear: the current healthcare setup often fails the people who need it most. I’ve seen it firsthand. People struggling with addiction, chronic illness, or mental health issues get lost in the shuffle. The system is complicated, expensive, and sometimes downright cold.

Here’s what I’ve noticed:

• Access is uneven. Some get excellent care, others get none.

• Costs are sky-high. Bills pile up, even for basic treatments.

• Prescription practices can be dangerous. Overprescribing opioids is a crisis.

• Mental health is often ignored. It’s treated as an afterthought.

• Recovery support is limited. Once you leave the hospital, you’re often on your own.

  
  

These problems aren’t new. They’ve been building for years. But the stories behind them are real people’s lives. I know because I lived it.

Empty hospital waiting room showing lack of access to care

What Does Reforming Healthcare Systems Actually Mean?

When I say reform, I mean real change. Not just tweaking policies or adding new rules. I mean rebuilding the system to work for everyone, especially those who are vulnerable.

Here’s what reform should focus on:

1. Improving access to care. No one should be left out because of where they live or how much money they have.

2. Making healthcare affordable. Bills shouldn’t force people into debt or bankruptcy.

3. Changing prescription practices. Doctors need better guidelines to prevent addiction.

4. Integrating mental health services. Mental and physical health are connected and should be treated together.

5. Supporting recovery and resilience. People need ongoing help, not just emergency care.

   
   

These are not just ideas. They are steps that can save lives and restore hope.

When Was the Last Healthcare Reform?

You might wonder when the last big change happened. For many, the answer is the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2010. It was a step forward, expanding coverage and protecting people with pre-existing conditions. But it didn’t fix everything.

Since then, reforms have been mostly small and scattered. The system still struggles with high costs, uneven access, and the opioid crisis. The pandemic showed us just how fragile the system is.

We need more than patches. We need a full overhaul that addresses the root causes of these problems.

Prescription bottle symbolizing medication and prescription practices

How Can We Make Healthcare Work for Everyone?

I believe change starts with listening to those who’ve been through it. People like me, who have faced addiction and battled the system. Here’s what I think needs to happen:

• Patient-centered care: Treat people as whole individuals, not just symptoms.

• Better education for doctors: Teach safer prescribing and addiction awareness.

• Community support programs: Help people stay healthy outside the hospital.

• Affordable medication: Make life-saving drugs accessible to all.

• Transparency in billing: Clear, understandable costs to avoid surprises.

  
  

These steps are practical. They can be done. But they require commitment from policymakers, healthcare providers, and communities.

Why Sharing Stories Matters in Healthcare Reform

I wrote my memoir, Almost Gone, to share my story. It’s about survival, recovery, and finding purpose after addiction. But it’s also about shining a light on a broken system.

Stories like mine show the human side of healthcare. They remind us that behind every statistic is a person fighting to live. When we share these stories, we build empathy. We push for change that really matters.

If you or someone you know has struggled with the medical system, your voice matters. Together, we can demand better. We can support meaningful healthcare system reforms that save lives and restore dignity.

Reforming healthcare systems is not just a policy issue. It’s a matter of life and death for many. It’s about creating a system that cares as much as it cures. And it starts with understanding why change is needed—and acting on it.