By Shawn Murphy

Ensuring equal access to healthcare for everyone, regardless of discrimination, is a fundamental human right. The United States faces a healthcare crisis where the cost of accessing crucial medical treatments poses financial barriers for many individuals and families.

This issue particularly affects those marginalized by socio-economic status, geographic location, race, gender identity, sexual orientation and immigration status. Recognizing healthcare as a basic human right rather than a partisan issue is essential for progress.

According to a recent report by the Kaiser Family Foundation, nearly 50% of adults in the U.S. reported difficulty affording healthcare costs, highlighting a pervasive barrier to access. One in four adults reported that they or a family member had trouble paying for healthcare in the past year. Additionally, high prescription drug costs lead many to skip doses or avoid filling prescriptions altogether.

The financial burden is especially heavy on marginalized groups. Lower-income households and uninsured individuals are disproportionately affected. For example, 61% of uninsured adults have skipped or delayed care due to costs. Healthcare debt is also prevalent, with 41% of adults reporting debt related to medical or dental bills.

Moreover, many insured adults struggle with out-of-pocket costs. Nearly half worry about affording their monthly premiums and a significant portion rate their insurance poorly regarding affordability. This widespread financial strain underscores the urgent need for policy interventions to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for all.

The role of AI, big data and telemedicine
Artificial intelligence (AI) and big data are revolutionizing healthcare by providing more efficient and personalized care. AI can analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns and predict health outcomes, enabling early intervention and precise treatments.

For example, machine learning algorithms can predict patient deterioration in real-time, enabling timely medical responses that could save lives. Big data also plays a crucial role in identifying healthcare disparities and targeting interventions more effectively. By analyzing electronic health records and social determinants of health (SDoH), big data promotes public health equity and supports more informed decision-making in healthcare.

Telemedicine bridges the gap between patients and healthcare providers, particularly in rural or remote areas where there limited access to care. Virtual care enables patients to receive medical consultations wherever they reside, providing access to physicians and providers who can diagnose and treat remotely,

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