Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the US healthcare system

Abstract

The COVID-19 epidemic had an enormous effect on the health of millions of individuals worldwide and the global economy. A shortage of doctors, nurses, personal protective equipment, and medicines was seen globally. The pandemic drew attention to limitations in the healthcare sector of the United States of America. The massive rise in the daily number of cases, more usage of ICU facilities and all the treatment modalities, and increased overtime compensation for the staff negatively impacted the hospital’s finances. This also affected the mental and physical health of all the healthcare workers. Through additional funding from federal relief legislation and the relaxation of many regulatory requirements, the federal, state, and local governments took significant steps to address the need for prevention and treatment services that arose from COVID-19 and the disruptions in healthcare delivery and finances resulting from the pandemic. Congress enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act, on March 27th, 2020. This measure appropriated $2.2 trillion to offer immediate and direct economic assistance to Americans affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Keywords

• COVID-19
• US Healthcare system
• Health economics
• Healthcare workers

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