Question

Why is it necessary to change health care delivery in the U.S? Be sure to explain your position with accurate information. Break down in three sections: the problems of cost, access and quality.

- Please use references.

Answer 1

Fundamental changes are necessary for the U.S health care reform. It faces significant challenges in the field of cost, access and quality. The ultimate issues with the health care reform are increasing health care cost and lack of health insurance. Comparing to other countries, the U.S spending more money on per capita person on health care delivery. The rise of private insurers and private plans increases the health care cost. The increased life of expectancy further increases the premium rate in older adults. It increases the financial expenditure of the federal government. Reforms should be in the reduction of health care cost with more quality and reduction of monthly premiums.

Most of the U.S citizens are lack of health insurance because of unemployment and low income. Mostly, the young adults and older groups are included in this group. This will increases the insecurity, burden of costs and limit of health services in the communities. The federal government affects through limitation in providing of health services, increased number of chronic diseases and unable to reach the vaccination target due to lack of access to health care services. The federal government has to create alternative health plans, employment-based premiums, and providing services through welfare programs. The government has to close the gap of coverages to improve access to services.

Another major problem that needs to health care reform is the lack of quality due to increased health care cost and demand. The reason for poor quality is lack of coordination, communication, shortage of health care providers, increased medical errors, and lack of evidence and an increased number of readmissions. Reforms should concentrate on timely care to the needs and right treatment to improve the possible health outcomes. Reducing unnecessary, test, procedure and increase more on preventive care.

References:

1.K. Schwartz and T. McBride, "Spells without Health Insurance: Distributions of Durations and Their Link to Point-in-Time Estimates of the Uninsured," Inquiry, 27 (1990), 281-288.

2.The Common Wealth fund " Fundamental change needed to improve Health care in the U.S: Delivery system requires Major fix, Say health care Leaders, New York, April 21, 2008. Retrieved from www.commonwealthfund.org