The recent online backlash against the health insurance industry has exposed a deep-seated sense of despair, powerlessness, and anger among millions of Americans who feel betrayed by the healthcare system. While major insurers present mission statements emphasizing well-being and system improvement, their financial projections reveal a focus on profitability. This discrepancy isn't solely the fault of insurance companies but reflects the inherent design of the U.S.
healthcare system, which relies on a market-based approach where insurers and hospitals operate as economic entities. Prior to the emergence of health insurance in the early 20th century, Americans funded healthcare through personal savings or charitable organizations. Health insurance originated in the 1930s and 1940s to mitigate financial risk and enhance healthcare access. It has predominantly been employer-based in the U.S., provided by private companies like UnitedHealth, Aetna, and Cigna. While government programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act marketplaces cater to specific populations, employer-sponsored insurance remains the dominant source of coverage