What is your evaluation of the effectiveness of the U.S. health care system in the context of delivery, finance, management, and/or sustainability? What are the issues that prompted a need for health care reform? Support your answer with a credible data reference. Do not use a reference already used by another student 200-500 WORDS RESOURCES THAT CANNOT BE USED: https://www.thebalance.com/why-reform-health-care-3305749 http://www.cnn.com/2017/06/26/opinions/us-health-care-prices-rosenthal-opinion/index.html sc.gc.ca/hcs-sss/delivery-prestation/index-eng.php – http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/18/opinion/the-shame-of-american-health-care.html
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the U.S. Health Care System
In assessing the effectiveness of the U.S. health care system, it is important to consider its performance in terms of delivery, finance, management, and sustainability. The U.S. health care system is characterized by a complex network of public and private providers, an emphasis on private financing mechanisms, fragmented delivery systems, and challenges related to cost containment and quality improvement.
Firstly, the delivery of health care in the U.S. faces several issues. One significant problem is the lack of universal access to care. Unlike many other industrialized countries that have achieved universal health coverage, the U.S. has a significant portion of its population without health insurance. According to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 28 million people (8.8% of the population) were uninsured in 2018 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2019). This lack of insurance hampers the ability of individuals to access timely and appropriate care, leading to disparities in health outcomes.
Furthermore, the U.S. health care system is also characterized by high costs. The United States consistently spends more on health care per capita compared to other developed nations, yet does not achieve commensurate outcomes in terms of health status or quality of care. In 2017, the U.S. spent approximately $3.5 trillion on health care, accounting for over 17% of its gross domestic product (GDP) (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 2019). High costs can limit accessibility and affordability, leading to financial barriers for individuals seeking care.
The finance aspect of the U.S. health care system requires attention as well. The system relies heavily on private health insurance, with employer-sponsored coverage being the primary source for many individuals. However, this leaves a significant portion of the population without insurance, especially those who are unemployed, self-employed, or working in low-wage jobs. Moreover, the private insurance market often imposes high deductibles, copayments, and restrictions on coverage, further exacerbating the financial burden for many Americans.
In terms of management, the U.S. health care system faces issues related to fragmentation and lack of coordination. The system is composed of various entities, including hospitals, physicians, specialists, insurers, and public health agencies, each with its own set of rules and incentives. This fragmentation contributes to gaps in care continuity and communication between providers, hindering the delivery of integrated and patient-centered care. Additionally, the fee-for-service payment model prevalent in the U.S. incentivizes volume rather than value, potentially leading to unnecessary procedures and higher costs.
The sustainability of the U.S. health care system is also a concern. The rising costs of health care, coupled with an aging population and advances in medical technology, pose significant challenges in terms of long-term financial viability. Without effective cost containment strategies, the system may become unsustainable, leading to increasing financial burdens for individuals, businesses, and the government.
The issues outlined above have prompted a need for health care reform in the United States. Comprehensive reform efforts aim to address the gaps in access, affordability, and quality of care while improving efficiency and sustainability. One notable reform attempt is the Affordable Care Act (ACA), enacted in 2010. The ACA introduced various provisions to expand insurance coverage, such as individual and employer mandates, Medicaid expansion, and the establishment of health insurance marketplaces. While the ACA has resulted in reductions in the uninsured rate, it continues to face political and practical challenges, exemplifying the complexity of health care reform in the United States.
In conclusion, the U.S. health care system faces numerous challenges in terms of delivery, finance, management, and sustainability. Issues such as lack of universal access, high costs, reliance on private insurance, fragmentation, and the need for long-term financial viability necessitate comprehensive health care reform. Efforts such as the ACA have attempted to address these issues, but further work is needed to achieve an effective, efficient, and equitable health care system in the United States.
References
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2019). National health expenditure data. Retrieved from https://www.cms.gov/Research-Statistics-Data-and-Systems/Statistics-Trends-and-Reports/NationalHealthExpendData/index.html
U.S. Census Bureau. (2019). Health insurance coverage in the United States: 2018. Retrieved from https://www.census.gov/library/publications/2019/demo/p60-267.html