Part 3/12:
A staggering 92% of Americans are covered by some form of health insurance, typically categorized into employer-sponsored programs, government initiatives, and individual plans. What sets the American system apart from other developed nations is the abundance of choice offered to consumers; however, this choice also breeds complexity. Each insurance plan comes with its own billing codes, payment processes, prior authorization requirements, and networks, complicating the process of care delivery. As a result, care becomes overshadowed by administrative burdens, with 40% of hospital expenses attributed to administrative functions rather than patient care.