Suicide Rate Boosts Health Insurer Efforts To Curb Loneliness

The high U.S. suicide rate could embolden health insurer efforts to curb loneliness and address other social determinants that can lead to poor health outcomes and illnesses.

A new report Thursday from the Commonwealth Fund showed the U.S. having the “highest suicide rate of any wealthy nation.” U.S. suicides account for 14 deaths for every 100,000 people, or double the rate of the United Kingdom as one example, according to the Commonwealth Fund report, which compared the U.S. to 10 other “high-income nations” in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

The rising suicide rate comes as the U.S. spends a much higher amount on healthcare services per capita than these other wealthy countries. And it’s another sign that the U.S. “can do better, and … should start by assuring everyone can get the care they need, when they need it,” Commonwealth Fund president Dr. David Blumenthal said.

The full Forbes article can be viewed at this link.