Dr. Martin Sellers, dean of the Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) Paul V. Hamilton School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, has published an article in the Social Science Research Network (SSRN) of Elsevier Publishing titled “Healthcare in the United States: Conflict, Confusion, and Cost.”
His analysis addresses issues within the U.S. health care system, noting that approximately 10% of the population lacks health insurance. At the same time, many insured are limited by health plans that restrict access to essential care, requiring high deductibles and additional upfront co-payments. He argues that these barriers impact individual health and have broader economic implications.
The article categorizes health care costs into five areas: costs, insurance, illness-specific costs, systemic programs, and social determinants of health (SDoH). Sellers states that the U.S. healthcare system does not operate under a self-regulating model like other institutions within the business sector. Instead, the current structure leads to inefficiencies and inequities that can be addressed through a systematic redesign.
“Health issues can have a domino effect, particularly when a family’s primary caregiver falls ill,” said Sellers. “If every person who becomes ill could go to a doctor or urgent care center, and the cost be covered in some way, this would boost our US economy, and workers and families would not be impacted as they are now.”
Sellers has over 36 years of academic experience. He has served as dean of the School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences since 2011 and was dean of undergraduate studies at LMU from 2003 to 2006. His extensive publication and presentation record reflects his commitment to advancing knowledge in his field.
The SSRN is a source for scholarly research in the social sciences. It provides a platform for researchers to share papers and connect with peers across various disciplines, including economics, political science, sociology, and law.
Lincoln Memorial University is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in the liberal arts and professional studies. The main campus is in Harrogate, Tennessee. For more information about the undergraduate and graduate programs available at LMU, contact the Office of Admissions at 423-869-6280 or email at admissions@lmunet.edu.
