US Healthcare Crisis Deepens as Millions Face Shortages

Rural Hospitals and VA System Under Strain

A staggering 90% of U.S. counties are designated as primary care Health Professional Shortage Areas, impacting 80 million Americans. Mental health shortages affect an even larger population, with 123 million individuals living in underserved areas. This crisis predates significant legislative actions and ongoing policy shifts that experts warn will exacerbate the situation.

Dismantling the VA: A Troubling Precedent

Contributor **Suzanne Gordon** detailed the concerning state of American healthcare in an investigation for *The American Prospect*. She highlighted how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) system, despite its challenges, often serves as a model for effective healthcare delivery. The ongoing efforts to privatize the VA are viewed as a dangerous move that could push millions more patients into an already overstretched private sector.

On a recent live show, **David Dayen** spoke with **Suzanne Gordon** about her findings. They discussed the potential repercussions for veterans and the broader patient population if the VA system is weakened or dismantled. Gordon’s work, published prior to recent policy shifts, painted a grim picture of what was to come.

Healthcare Access Under Threat

The United States faces a critical shortage of healthcare professionals, particularly in primary care and mental health. This lack of access disproportionately affects rural communities, where more than one-third of hospitals are at risk of closure. These pre-existing vulnerabilities are compounded by recent policy decisions.

Government actions, including substantial cuts to Medicaid and the administration’s push to privatize VA healthcare, are expected to place further strain on an already struggling system. These measures could push millions of additional patients into private networks that are ill-equipped to handle the increased demand, leading to potentially dire consequences for patient care.

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