"Berkeley's News Source and the Battle with Healthcare"
Berkeleyside's Impact on Berkeley
Berkeleyside has been an integral part of Berkeley's landscape, providing residents with a wealth of information. It has covered various aspects of the city, from local events to important social issues. The 15 years of service have made it a trusted name in the community.It has been a source of inspiration and a platform for local voices to be heard. Without Berkeleyside, Berkeley would lack a dedicated and reliable news outlet that focuses on the unique aspects of the city.
The Healthcare Crisis in America
Dr. Nicholas Rosenlicht, a psychiatrist and author with a Berkeley practice, witnessed the shooting of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson and was deeply affected. This incident shed light on the frustrations people feel towards the healthcare system.As a clinical professor at UC San Francisco School of Medicine and having spent 40 years in psychiatry, Rosenlicht is well-versed in the issues. He emphasizes how the healthcare system has dehumanized people and made them feel powerless.
United Healthcare: A Case Study
United Healthcare, the nation's largest health insurance company, serves millions of people. Forbes has highlighted its expensive premiums and high denial rate, nearly double the industry average.The company has faced criticism for denying nursing care to patients and facing a class action lawsuit for using AI algorithms to refuse payment. Rosenlicht cites United Healthcare as an example of the bigger-is-better approach that prioritizes profits over people.
The Growth of the Healthcare Industry
The healthcare industry has witnessed tremendous growth and has become the largest and most profitable sector for private equity and venture capital investment. United Healthcare's profits have soared from $15 billion in 2009 to $32.4 billion in 2023, which Rosenlicht deems "obscene."This growth comes at a cost to patients and taxpayers. The high costs and lack of proper care have led to numerous issues, as seen in the cases of patients being denied necessary care.
The Impact on Mental Health
Rosenlicht's book, "My Brother's Keeper," focuses on mental health and criticizes the healthcare system. He shows how the business model of denying as many people as possible and overcharging has contributed to the problems.More than a third of Americans have put off medical treatment due to cost, and the uninsured face even higher rates. Mangione's actions can be seen as a result of his unmet mental health needs.
The Need for Change
To improve healthcare, Rosenlicht supports a single-payer system like Medicare. He believes that healthcare should be a right and provided by the government.By moving healthcare back into the public realm, we can ensure that everyone has access to basic care. This would address the issues of affordability and quality that currently plague the system.
In this time of uncertainty, our reporters at Berkeleyside continue to deliver high-impact, trustworthy local news. Your support in our end-of-year fundraising campaign is crucial for our continued existence and the improvement of healthcare in Berkeley.