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The Future Challenges Facing Health Care in the United States

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The Future Challenges Facing Health Care in the United States
Liz M. Santiago
Dr. Watson
HSA 500
March 11, 2012

Identify and describe at least three of the most difficult issues facing health care in the United States today. Our health care system is complex in the way it is setup and the way it operates. There are many key issues that face the health care system in the United States today. Three of the most difficult issues include diseases, health disparities and paying for health care. As we are capable of preventing diseases through preventive medicine and advanced technology, the mortality rate of the United States will continue to decline. Although this may be true, macro trends such as illnesses, diseases, injuries, and population groups are of concern. “Differential morbidity and mortality between men and women, among different ethnic groups, in different age groups within the population, by geographic region, and in other important population comparisons raise red flags about our limited successes for certain populations, and the challenges that we face” (Torrens & Williams, 2009). Health concerns such as hypertension, obesity, injuries and chronic diseases surround individuals in the United States today, regardless of their race, gender, income status or geographical location. Although a steady income, health insurance and access to care may exist for some individuals across the United States, health disparities are still clearly seen. “Many factors contribute to racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic health disparities, including inadequate access to care, poor quality of care, community features (such as poverty and violence) and personal behaviors” (NCSL, 2012). Due to the United States having a health disparity, it has contributed to an additional $229.4 billion in medical expenses between 2003 and 2006. “A

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