Imagine this: a woman's life-saving asthma medication, once an astronomical $36,000 per year, suddenly becomes a mere $3,000 after she leaves America. But here's where it gets controversial...
The United States, a country known for its medical advancements, also boasts some of the highest healthcare costs in the world. Data reveals that this financial burden has Americans worried sick, quite literally.
Meet Hilary Hodge, a severe allergic asthma sufferer who made the bold move to France after her medical bills became an unbearable burden. In 2012, she discovered a potentially life-changing medication, but at a staggering $36,000 annually, it was simply out of reach.
A few years later, Hodge and her husband found themselves in Angers, France, initially on a temporary stay. However, when they realized the medication was significantly more affordable there, they made the decision to stay permanently.
Hodge shared her experience with USA Today, saying, "It was one of those moments where the difference in healthcare systems really hit home. Suddenly, our stay in France became a lot more permanent, and health care was a big part of that decision."
And this is the part most people miss: rising health costs have impacted millions across the US. A 2025 survey by the West Health-Gallup Center for Healthcare in America found that nearly half of adults are worried about affording healthcare expenses, marking the highest level of concern since 2021.
But it's not just individuals who are feeling the pinch. CVS Health, one of the largest pharmacy chains in the US, is in the process of closing 900 stores as part of a wider strategic change. CEO Karen Lynch announced the plan in 2021, citing a need to adapt to shifting consumer buying patterns and ensure the right stores are in the right locations.
The closures, which amount to almost 10% of CVS's footprint, cost the company approximately $1 billion in the fourth quarter of 2021.
So, why are healthcare costs so high in America? Well, Americans spend more on healthcare than any other country in the world. Last year, the average family insurance plan cost a whopping $26,993, a 6% increase from 2024.
This raises some thought-provoking questions: Is the US healthcare system sustainable? Are there alternative models that could provide better care at a lower cost? And most importantly, how can we ensure that essential medications are accessible and affordable for all?
What are your thoughts on this issue? Do you think the US healthcare system needs a major overhaul? Share your opinions in the comments below!
