...The Health Care Debate It is nearly impossible to turn on a television, listen to the radio, or read a newspaper and not receive information pertaining to the Health Care debate. It has been assessed that the current state of the United States’ healthcare system is damaged. It is nearly impossible to turn on the television without some pendant talking about how if the system is unchanged it will become unsustainable for future generations. The US spends more on health care than any other industrialized country. It is assessed that four factors contribute to the notable differences between the United States’ healthcare system and that of other countries. The first cause of these disparities is the United States’ high level of chronic health conditions. Obesity and smoking are assessed to contribute to this. Its assesses that 5 to 7 percent of the United States ‘health care cost was linked to obesity in the late 1990’s verses Canada’s 2-3.5 percent. The second factor associated to the US health care system The debate over health care has never put into question the state and future outlook of the problems. The debate has been focused around decided who has the better views on how to fix said problems. Various organizationsvand/or groups have there ideas on how to fix the problem the system faces. The three factions that appear to be in oposation are the Democratic party, the Republican party, and various interest groups that repesent the insurance/hospital...
Words: 351 - Pages: 2
...Debate on Health Care Ethical Issues HCS/435 Victor Gibb By: David Moeller, April Shaffer, Josephine Johnson, Rachelle Jacquay, Angie Wellman, Margaret Werzinsky Intro Supp Side The topic of euthanasia has been of much debate for many years. Throughout the outline varying sides have been focused on in regards to this topic. On one side there are supporters of euthanasia that believe that each individual has the right to make their own choices when dealing with the quality of life they want to be subjected too. Many are in favor because euthanasia can help decrease the suffering that terminally ill patients have to endure. Then there are those that oppose this line of thinking, “These people are convinced that no individual has the right to determine the end of his life” (Geiger, 2010). When discussing the topic of euthanasia this has been deemed an ethical issue because it deals with moral principles, which is different for each individual. Opp Side Supp Side Euthanasia is a topic that brings about much debate, but when it comes to an individual’s life they should have a legal right to choose what is best for them. Many in opposition of euthanasia go along with the view that it is wrong for a person to end their life and that it is right to have laws that prohibit such actions. But the question that arises is if this legal course gives a person the right that was granted...
Words: 1310 - Pages: 6
...Celebrities, Capitol Hill, and the 2009 Health Care Debate In the day and age we live in, it almost seems like celebrities run our world at times. Social media is to blame for that I believe, as it has become an everyday necessity. Naturally on these social media sites like Twitter and Facebook we like to follow our favorite actors, musicians, athletes, etc. and their opinions, while they may not matter to us, are without a doubt at least seen due to the sheer number of followers. Is it right for us to blindly follow the opinions of someone based of social status? Of course not. In fact, Ignacio Gatti, the author of the article “Celebrities: Why Do They Have So Much Influence?”, went as far as to say that following someone’s opinions based simply off of social status is unethical. Does that mean that it doesn’t happen? Of course not. Whether we like it or not, celebrities have a large impact on much of our society, and their political opinions are no exception. Looking at the critical analysis questions in the textbook, the first question is “Do you think celebrities should have the chance to address congressional committees even if they are not experts on the policies being discussed?” (Pg. 464) To answer this question is a tough one for me, as it gives me mixed feelings. My initial reaction to the question is that celebrities, unless a proven expert on the policies at hand, should not have a place in congressional committees. I’m sure if you polled the nation they would...
Words: 921 - Pages: 4
...Analysis of Health Care Reform Ima Student Grand Canyon University: HCA 530 Month Day, Year Analysis of Health Care Reform Health care reform is a controversial topic that it is both political and emotional. The debate goes on about the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and its legality on both sides of the aisle. This paper will detail concerns about health care reform including cost, quality, and access. This paper will answer the question if the current health care system is a market failure that requires government involvement, will detail changes proposed from both political parties and will summarize elements needed for reform in health care. Health Care Cost, Quality, and Access Health care cost, quality, and access are central to health care reform. There is no surprise the expense of health care in the United States. In the year 2010 health care was 17.9% of the gross domestic product (GDP) and costs continue to rise (Hicks, 2014). In contrast, health care is 8.7% of the GDP in the United Kingdom (Hicks, 2014). There is much work to do in the United States to get and keep health care costs under control. Health care quality is increasingly important and the ACA has emphasized quality care. Health care organizations are incentivized to decrease infections in hospitals and provide better quality care. Payment from Medicare is being aligned with quality and increased patient satisfaction. If patients acquire hospital acquired infections during their hospital stay, it will...
Words: 808 - Pages: 4
...Although President Obama had early requests for a bipartisan approach to health reform, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 passed with no Republican votes in either the House or the Senate. Strong criticism accompanied its passing, stating that the bill was “rammed through” the legislative process by the majority party, whereas the administration stressed the extensive, year-long debate over health reform and argued that the final bill represented a compromise of good ideas from both parties. I examine these conflicting claims, drawing on both books Heath Care Reform and American Politics by Lawrence R. Jacobs and Theda Skocpol, and Overreach by George C. Edwards III. My analysis proposes a more-nuanced balance between majority and minority party influence. I will also debate the nature of presidential power in the passing of this bill. In March 2010, Congress enacted and the President signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act- bringing to a close a year of active political debate over health reform, not to mention nearly a century of health reform efforts (Jacobs and Skocpol 2010). Critics claim that this bill was “rammed through” the legislative process by the Democratic majority party despite the minority party’s disapproval. Jacobs and Skocpol (2010) describe how “only Democrats were to be found among the 200 or so lawmakers in attendance at the bill signing” (pg.6). Along side this; Republican officials were filing lawsuits to proclaim parts...
Words: 1571 - Pages: 7
...Health care reform in the United states In the United States, the debate regarding healthcare reform includes questions of a right to health care, access, fairness, sustainability, quality and amounts spent by government. The mixed public-private health care system in the United States is the most expensive in the world, with health care costing more per person than in any other nation, and a greater portion of gross domestic product (GDP) is spent on it than in any other United Nations member state except for East Timor (Timor-Leste).[2] A study of international health care spending levels in the year 2000, published in the health policy journal Health Affairs, found that while the U.S. spends more on health care than other countries in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the use of health care services in the U.S. is below the OECD median by most measures. The authors of the study concluded that the prices paid for health care services are much higher in the U.S.[3] In spite of the amount spent on health care in the U.S., according to a 2008 Commonwealth Fund report, the United States ranks last in the quality of health care among developed countries.[4] The World Health Organization (WHO), in 2000, ranked the US health care system 37th in overall performance and 72nd by overall level of health (among 191 member nations included in the study).[5][6] International comparisons that could lead to conclusions about the quality of the health care...
Words: 631 - Pages: 3
...Assessment on Health Care Politics and Policy Brittani Cornett Health Care Policy 3200 Professor Walpole November 16, 2013 The overwhelming majority of Americans agree that reform of our healthcare system is necessary; however, the debate continues to rage over the specific type of reform we need. With the health care reform more people will gain health insurance, coverage will be more affordable, and people will have access to the health services they need. These provisions will improve the lives of millions of Americans and give them the peace of mind that comes with knowing that they have coverage no matter what. Prior to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was passed, the Democrats and Republicans had not been able to compromise on a deal. Subsequently, President Obama and House Republicans failed to reach an agreement on a plan that would extend the nation's debt limit. This paper will evaluate two consequences involved in policymaking of health care reform; the committee involved, and the reasons the House will not come to an agreement in efforts towards health care reform. On March 23, 2010 the Affordable Health Care Act became a law. This meant that insurance companies would no longer stand between consumers and their healthcare providers. They could no longer dictate what services would be limited, and the need for seeking approval before receiving emergency care at a facility...
Words: 1049 - Pages: 5
...Quashauna Howard Professor Singletary English 101 21 October 2015 Gun Debate: Where is the Middle Ground? Gun debate is a hot topic, and everybody perceives it differently. Many things can influence a person’s view on gun control, protecting their families, mass killings, self-defense, and hunting. It is important to gather information and facts when it comes to gun debate. In addition to this, the laws that are already in place are being questioned and what policies can change to show favor for both sides. Some questions being asked are who can buy a gun, types of guns available, the registration process, age, NRA guidelines, and carrying policy. There are many policies put in place to enforce laws and keep guns out of the wrong hands and keep the public safe but many questions remain. Are assault rifles needed? Weapons like these are responsible for many mass killings of innocent adults and children in America. One example is the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary that left 20 children and six adults dead also the Columbine shooting that left 15 dead and 24 injured. Many victims are left trying to put together the pieces. One victim stated, “ When you are a survivor or a victim or somebody close to you dies, it is every day you think about it, “he said. “ Gun advocates or scholars or people making money about it, they probably think about it 10 percent of how much we think about it. We take a cold shower we think about it, and we start to cry. We go to the bathroom...
Words: 870 - Pages: 4
...become a major topic for debate and discussion among many people. The biggest focus for private and public organizations has been on Health Care Reform. Most notably it has become at the front center of most political debates and campaigns. Many politicians use healthcare reform as a main political platform due to the high amount of attention that has been placed on the issue in recent years. For example, SEIU(Service Employees International Union) has focused a majority of its’ efforts on healthcare reform. Organizations working to achieve health care for all face a complicated swirl of factors: which policy solutions to support, which allies to work with, and which compromises and timetables to accept(Stern, 2007). SEIU works to help other individuals organize unions to help in the efforts in creating affordable healthcare for all. In 2002, SEIU launched Americans for Health Care (AHC). AHC is the largest grassroots organizing project on health care in the United States. According to Stern(2007), AHC has worked to be the catalyst for grassroots campaigns in twenty states and to date have signed up nearly 500,000 committed "Health Care Voters" across the United States. AHC affiliates have focused a majority of their efforts on passing and creating affordable health care legislation in Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Oregon, and Washington, D.C. These efforts have also included the historic Fair Share Health Care bill in Maryland, and...
Words: 323 - Pages: 2
...healthcare industry. The legislation is coined as “Obamacare.” Supporters argue Obamacare provides coverage for our nation’s uninsured while boosting economy. Opponents argue Obamacare will increase healthcare costs and in turn, add to the deficit. The research supports the belief that improving the health status of the American citizens does result in economic expenditures for the United States. There is a relationship between affordable healthcare and the economy. The impact Obamacare has on the economy can be viewed through a simple math equation, a return on investment analysis. The return on investment analysis revealed a positive return on investment. The results suggest American has invested wisely. Investing in the healthcare of the American citizens will improve productivity, is cost effective, and reduces healthcare care costs. The Impact of Obamacare on the Economy In 2010, there were approximately 50 million uninsured Americans. This means that 16.9% of American’s population is uninsured. The numbers are overwhelming and reveal healthcare in American is not affordable. Many argue that the cost of healthcare has doubled in recent years (Department of Health and Human Services, 2011). Most Americans receive healthcare insurance through their employers. However, being employed does not guarantee affordable healthcare. The numbers send a loud message. The healthcare industry in American needs a major overhaul. The uninsured need access to affordable healthcare...
Words: 2425 - Pages: 10
...country's health care system should offer affordable medical care to its citizens. The ability of the system to fulfill this mandate is dependent on financing. The system of finance includes revenue going into the health care system and money going out to reimburse health care providers. The source of the polarizing debates on the efficiency of a health care system often centers on the reimbursement of funds to service providers. Service providers in the United States charge exorbitant fees for medical services. In other countries like Canada and the United Kingdom, the cost of treating patients is much lower than in the United States. A point of disconnect emerges when one analyzes what each citizen is paying for. Amongst the developed donations, the United States spends the largest proportion of its GDP on health care expenditure. Part of the high costs are due to numerous tests and medical research. The United States is a world leader in medical research. In addition, they also attract the best talent from all over the globe. Looking at other developed nations, they excel in providing standard care. The cost of a heart or kidney transplant in Canada and the United Kingdom are much lower than in the United States. If one goes to India, the cost is even much lower. In as much as Canada, the United Kingdom and India provide affordable care they do not necessarily provide the best care. This is because they do not divert a significant proportion of their health care revenue towards...
Words: 402 - Pages: 2
...Analysis of Obamacare Health Policy Anthony E Davis POL201: American National Government Ginger Devine November 25, 2013 Analysis of Obamacare Health Policy One of the most crucial issues of today is the issue of health insurance and availability of quality health services to all residents of the U.S. This paper will analyze the Obamacare Healthcare Policy-highlighting its core elements, health care problem solution, and the policies history. Also it will evaluate the pros and cons using different perspectives in debate. Let’s begin with the elements of Obamacare. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), also called Obamacare or the Affordable Care Act, is a United States federal statute signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010 (ObamaCare Summary: A Summary of Obama's Health Care Reform, 2013). Since the establishment of Medicaid and Medicare of 1965, Obamacare is one of the most significant expansions from the government and administrative overhaul of the U.S healthcare system. The purpose of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is to raise the rate of health coverage of Americans, to modernize the delivery of health care services, and to reduce the overall costs of health care. This is to be done by restricting certain insurance company practices and providing tax credits and subsidies for individuals and businesses. Prior to the approval of the Obamacare Policy, the American health care industry was in deep calamity...
Words: 1743 - Pages: 7
...Rebuttal and Reply Introduction: In all of Saskatchewan’s styles of debate either a reply or a rebuttal may be deliver in the final address from each side. In other places, either a rebuttal or a reply is required. Because reply speeches require a stronger understanding of the entire debate and greater experience with debate in general, reply speeches are typically mastered after a debater learns to deliver a good rebuttal. If a debater is using a case line, a reply must be used. Two examples are used below to illustrate the differences between a rebuttal and a reply: Resolution: This house believes that low taxes are preferable to extensive government services Negative case line: Social Services are beneficial to society in both an economic and humanitarian sense. A sample Negative rebuttal: Ladies and Gentlemen, we have shown that lower taxes should not come at the price of social programs. Our opponents stated that taxes are too high, but they are not as high as many other places. Our opponents also argued that things like our health care system are not working and we should let people pay for better service. However, this also means some people get no service like in the United States. Do we want a country of people who are petrified about losing their health benefits? We on the negative do not want to live in that kind of world. You may think that our opponents are correct when they state that many people abuse social services. But what about...
Words: 804 - Pages: 4
...Health Care Spending Economics: The Financing of Health Care HCS 440 December 15, 2013 Health Care Spending The American Dream is described by The Free Dictionary as, “An American ideal of a happy and successful life to which all may aspire” ("Definition," 2013, p. 1) yet this can mean different things to different people. To this student it means happiness, prosperity, health, freedom, and the ability to makes choices according to what this student believes in. For other people, the American Dream will mean similar and probably different things. To many Americans the ability to have health care is a part of the American Dream. Obtaining health care insurance and being able to choose the insurance they can afford is part of their own American Dream. This choice usually comes through their employer or through being self-employed and choosing the appropriate health care insurance. This piece of the American Dream is becoming increasingly expensive and unobtainable. This student will explore current national health care expenditures, is there is too much spent or not enough if cuts need to be made, how health care needs are paid for, and a forecast of the economic needs of the health care system. The level of the current national health care expenditures Health care costs continue to increase. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), “U.S. health care spending reached $2.7 trillion in 2011, or $8,680 per person. Health spending grew 3.9...
Words: 1756 - Pages: 8
...campaign, President Obama argued for health care reform by saying that health care is a right. In the outcome of healthcare reform, Americans ask the question; how can we pay for healthcare reform? This is a continuous debate on the Senate floor, and American politicians have many differences and if not solved it will continue to hinder the progress of healthcare reform. Both republicans and democrats are at debate over quality of healthcare. Many think American government is trying to take over. Health care is an incredibly intense industry. Every patient contact, care experience, and outcome must be documented in an accurate way. Accrediting bodies such as Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations review documentation to assess compliance with standards of care for a quality assurance. If a hospital is not accredited by Joint Commission Accreditation Healthcare organization it cannot receive healthcare which means healthcare record keeping is crucial. Patient record keeping is complex and complicated. Methods of organizing patient information require teamwork and the ability to track patient encounters from the time the patient is admitted until the patient is discharged. Healthcare quality may be defined in many diverse ways with differing implications for healthcare providers, providers, patients, third party payers policy makers, and other stakeholders. First high quality health services should accomplish desired health outcomes for individuals, matching...
Words: 995 - Pages: 4
