In the United States we have many of the world’s best trained doctors and the most advanced medical equipment. So how come we’re falling behind other countries when it comes to increases in life expectancy? Good queation. First, our listen is referring to a recent Commonwealth Fund study that compared gains in life expectancy in the U.S. with several other wealthy, industrialized nations. And, indeed, the study found that gains in life expectancy in those countries are growing at a faster rate than gains in the U.S. So Why Might That Be The Case? There are two possible reasons, according to the study. One may seem obvious the lack of universal health coverage in the United States. Many Americans without insurance simply can’t afford proper medical care, and so they tend to live shorter lives. Another possible reason, according to the study, is less obvious many Americans get too much medical care.