...Health Care Reform from an Economist Perspective Introduction Today there are many Americans without health insurance. This is due to the lack of financial resources they have to pay for the insurance , perhaps due to the unemployment rate and also due to those (younger generation) who choose to opt out of paying for health insurance. Many Americans live day to day hoping they will not get sick. From the results of these rates, President Obama signed the US Health Care Reform into law. The health care reform law encases benefits such as affordability, accessibility, comfort and ease for low income families worrying about going broke if they get sick, health care cost will be capped, and insurance companies will not be able to deny applicants due to pre-existing conditions. Accessibility simply means that insurers would have to expand insurance coverage to all Americans. This means eliminating pre-existing conditions that prevented people from gaining insurance coverage, insuring portability across states, mandating the purchase of insurance coverage, standardizing claims to reduce paperwork and providing benefits and cost information to American people allowing them an opportunity to choose a plan that best fit their needs (Shortell, 2009) Affordability has left uninsured and low income families helpless due to high premiums. The public option is an idea that hopes to establish competition that will drive down insurance premium costs between private insurers (Shortell...
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...prices. Exits webpage. These are motions made by many young adults between 19 and 29 took upon realizing that it was now mandatory that every American adult sign up for a health insurance plan. On March 23, 2010, young adults, including the writer, thought they were finally getting a break from the government when President Obama signed his new health reform act. Little was known how much this generation was actually considered before the president signed off their continued demise. Young adults were sold a dream of affordable health plans that could fit within their tight budgets, but with reality in front of them, they must face either being penalized for the 2014 tax year or pinch their pennies and pay the premium throughout the year. Promoters of the Affordable Care Act are now facing the challenge of getting this group to sign up for insurance. But many ask why they didn’t consider the pockets of young adults before the current administration made the decision for them. What does the Affordable Care Act or “Obamacare” entail? It offers provisions to expand coverage, control health care costs, and improve the health care delivery system. “The act requires most U.S. citizens and legal residents to have health insurance. It also requires employers to pay penalties for employees who receive tax credits for health insurance through an Exchange, with exceptions for small employers.” (www.kff.org, 2013) Who exactly is this group of young adults? “They are a group of healthy, young...
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...Health Reform, American Style by Hobson Carroll Today’s health care financing mess requires an American fix. We need a rational solution that recognizes where we have come from in paying and providing for health care in this country, as well as our government, history, culture, economic system and all the other things that define us as a nation. The entire world is struggling with health care financing. Solutions need to be locally relevant, and the United States is no exception. My proposal for reforming core elements in the health care system follows. Everyone Is Charged The Same Amount Currently, the same service from the same provider costs different parties different amounts depending on who is paying. This is patently ridiculous for something society has effectively stated is a right, or at least a social utility. We must require all-payer, transparent pricing from providers for their products and services. Each provider is free to set prices as they deem appropriate, but those prices must be the same to all purchasers. I am referring to a price that represents the true, bottom- line net charge that the provider bills and collects. Payers won’t be able to negotiate with providers for special discounts or pricing concessions for any reason. If a provider agrees to a particular schedule of fees or prices with a given payer, fine. But it then applies to every other payer as well. This doesn’t mean that insurance benefits must cover whatever the provider charges. Schedules...
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...HEALTH INSURANCE POLICY PROCEDURE Name: Institution: Date: Introduction Many families are unable to afford the high cost of health insurance. These families are living without essential provision of good health. The American citizens when they visit hospital and are diagnosed with major illnesses, are hampered with a huge debt, they are left with worry and pain of figuring out how to pay it. This issue still remains part of a huge political debate in the government. The increasing insurance cost has even affected organizations and private sectors where lesser of these organizations are offering health insurance to their employees. It is the citizens who are left to suffer (WHO 2012). Problem Analysis 47 million Americans have no health insurance coverage, which would account for around 18,000 premature deaths per year (Robinson 2007). United States hast the highest spending in the world yet, among the 30 nations that make up Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD), United States on most health indicators ranks near bottom (Robinson 2007). Health Provision is the primary goal for any hospital. This paper seeks to design a policy and procedure that can be implemented in hospital to address this issue. According to a federal report on health care quality released in July 2012, The 2011 State Snapshots report based on key health indicators such as cancer...
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...Health Care Reform 02-25-2010 The debаte оver heаlth саre refоrm in the United Ѕtаteѕ сenterѕ оn queѕtiоnѕ аbоut whether there iѕ а fundаmentаl right tо heаlth саre, оn whо ѕhоuld hаve ассeѕѕ tо heаlth саre аnd under whаt сirсumѕtаnсeѕ, оn the quаlity асhieved fоr the high ѕumѕ ѕрent, the ѕuѕtаinаbility оf exрenditureѕ thаt hаve been riѕing fаѕter thаn the level оf generаl inflаtiоn аnd the grоwth in the eсоnоmy, the rоle оf the federаl gоvernment in bringing аbоut ѕuсh сhаnge, аnd соnсernѕ оver unfunded liаbilitieѕ. Mоѕt рerѕоnаl bаnkruрtсy in the United Ѕtаteѕ iѕ саuѕed аt leаѕt раrtly by mediсаl debt whiсh iѕ аlmоѕt unknоwn in оther соuntrieѕ in the develорed wоrld. The United Ѕtаteѕ ѕрendѕ а greаter роrtiоn оf tоtаl yeаrly inсоme in the nаtiоn оn heаlth саre thаn аny United Nаtiоnѕ member ѕtаte exсeрt fоr Eаѕt Timоr (Timоr-Leѕte), аlthоugh the асtuаl uѕe оf heаlth саre ѕerviсeѕ in the U.Ѕ., by mоѕt meаѕureѕ оf heаlth ѕerviсeѕ uѕe, iѕ belоw the mediаn аmоng the wоrld'ѕ develорed соuntrieѕ.[6] Ассоrding tо the Inѕtitute оf Mediсine оf the Nаtiоnаl Асаdemy оf Ѕсienсeѕ, the United Ѕtаteѕ iѕ the "оnly weаlthy, induѕtriаlized nаtiоn thаt dоeѕ nоt enѕure thаt аll сitizenѕ hаve соverаge". Аmeriсаnѕ аre divided аlоng раrty lineѕ in their viewѕ regаrding the rоle оf gоvernment in the heаlth eсоnоmy аnd eѕрeсiаlly whether а new рubliс heаlth рlаn ѕhоuld be сreаted аnd аdminiѕtered by the federаl gоvernment. Thоѕe in fаvоr оf univerѕаl heаlth саre аrgue thаt the lаrge number оf uninѕured...
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...Health Care Reform Tiffany Henderson POL: 201 American Government Instructor: Kristine Tsahiridis June 8,2015 We are all too familiar with the term “Obamacare”. The first thing that comes to mind when we hear it is health care. Medical insurance has become such a hot topic in the most recent years. Not everyone is able to afford the best care, and it is becoming more of a challenge for senior citizens and for people with limited income in general. Health Care reforms have always had a long history of being proposed but not approved. That has changed in 2010 when two new federal statues were passed into law. The first being the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, or PPACA, and the second being the amended version to the PPACA, known as the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010. The Federal Health Reform was created to make it easier for all Americans to have health care coverage. The reform uses the current insurance programs that are in place to build on so that more people can have access to health insurance. It also ensures consumers protection and more knowledgeable shopping for insurance. There are many steps included in the reform act such as, expanding Medicaid to allow for lower income families to afford health coverage, encourage more employers to offer coverage, encourage primary and preventive care, and require most Americans to have or purchase health insurance. The efforts for an effective health care reform have started as early...
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...Abstract Whether you are an economists or the average consumer, Health Care costs and spending seems to always be a hot topic. From my initial research I found that Health Care costs are steadily rising both in the private and public sectors. From what I have read I believe some sort of Health Care reform is required. There are vast numbers of people suffering and even dying because the cost of Health Care is too expensive. Unfortunately people skip doctor appointments and ignore ailments, just because they cannot afford it and it some cases people are paying the ultimate price. I’d like to look a little deeper into the Pros and Cons of Private and Public Healthcare and delve a little into some of the Health Care reform Bills that are in play or will be implemented in the near future. Specifically I want to look at Obamacare, as I hear it in the news, but do not know what impacts it has to the economy, good or bad. List of Figures Figure 1 6 Figure 2 6 Figure 3 7 Figure 4 7 Health Care Reform In recent years, a fair amount of attention has been geared towards Health Care. There has been a number of Economists that have voiced concern that rising health care spending could hurt the economy and lower employment. A December 2004 survey of CEOs found that employee health care costs are the greatest cost concern of America’s business leaders. (via aspe.hhs.gov). Due to the ever rising cost of healthcare, I found that approximately 53 Million...
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...Case Study: 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...
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...HealthCare Reform Regina Webb SOC 320 Public Policy & Social Services Angela Cranon-Charles – Instructor February 13, 2012 When we speak of the HealthCare Reform, medical coverage comes to mind. The HealthCare Reform is any policy that seeks to change or make better the way health care is now. Generally, the health care reform is a governmental policy. Many individuals hate the healthcare reform for one basic reason: They believe the American Healthcare System cannot be reformed. The practice of medicine has become so riddled with economic and legal affairs in America, that it seems most everyone has something invested in this decision and it leads people to believe it’s all about money. It is difficult to understand because the practice of medicine is not about financial gain, it is a humanitarian science geared toward the wellness of people, not the growth of bank accounts. Every citizen who contributes to their community should be free to live their life without making a choice between medicine and food, between cancer treatment and their kids’ college without the fear that they are one cold or flu away from unemployment or financial ruin. Many past presidents attempted to pass health care reform to name a few but not limited to be Nixon, Carter, Clinton, and now Obama. The attempt to pass a national health care plan date back to Teddy Roosevelt, some European countries had already implemented national health coverage and pensions by then. In this paper...
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...Health Care Reform Lisa Juarez HCS 235 February 4, 2014 Holly O'Dell Health Care Reform The health care reform is an ongoing debate. We have heard it called to Obama Care, but it really is the Affordable Care Act. It was signed into law in 2010. The idea behind the Affordable Care Act was to provide affordable health insurance to every American. The law contains thousands of pages of insurance and health care reforms. All are designed to make it easier and more affordable for every American to get coverage. Health plans can no longer limit or deny benefits to children under the age of 19 due to a pre-existing condition. If you are under 26, you may be eligible to be covered under your parent’s health plan. Insurers can no longer cancel your coverage just because you made an honest mistake. You now have the right to ask that your plan reconsider its denial of payment. When we look at the cost the law has no lifetime limits on coverage. Lifetime limits on benefits are not allowed for all new health insurance plans. Reviews premium increases, insurance companies must now give a good reason for any raises in rates. Helps you get the most for your premium dollars. Your premium money must be spent primarily on health care and not administrative costs. Now we can look at the care benefits; it covers preventive care at no cost to us and you may be eligible for preventive health services with no co-payment. Protects your right to choose your own doctors, choose the primary care...
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...Health Care Reform A newest way to finance health care now days is the health care reform which it is also called Obama Care. The Affordable Care Act was signed into law in 2010. The main objective behind the Affordable Care Act was to ensure that affordable health care insurance was available to every U.S citizen. This law is an extensive document that contains many regulations and laws that relate not only to health care but also to the regulation of insurance companies. One of the best known regulations is that group health plans can no longer put limitations or deny benefits to individuals under the age of 19 due to pre-existing conditions and individuals under the age of 26, are now eligible to be covered under their parents’ health care plans. Harrington (2010) states that under the health care reform individuals have now the right to appeal to their health care insurances if they deny payments for a specific reason and there are no lifetime limits on benefits. Insurance companies are now a little bit more regulated and they will have to give a good reason if they raise rates for patients. The premium paid by patients must be spent primarily in health care and not in administrative costs. Preventive health services are provided now with no cost for the patient and it may include no copays for most insured individuals. The health care reform also gives individuals the right to choose their own doctors from their plan networks, and allows individuals to access...
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...Health care reform in the United States is a hot topic and the source of legislation meant to make health care obtainable to Americans. Recent presidential elections have platforms used to promote health care reform. This paper will discuss ways recent health care reform measures have expanded or inhibited access to health care. This paper will discuss how changes to access influences in utilization. Concepts of what the universal health care may be and how current care reflects or contrasts with this will be discussed. The stakeholders involved in the movement towards a system universal healthcare. With healthcare being a goal of reform, the new roles emerging in the industry today. The Affordable Care Act puts consumers back in charge of their health care. Under the law, a new “Patient’s Bill of Rights” gives the American people the stability and flexibility they need to make informed choices about their health. Health plans can no longer limit or deny benefits to children under 19 due to a pre-existing condition. If you are under 26, you may be eligible to be covered under your parent’s health plan. Insurers can no longer cancel your coverage just because you made an honest mistake. You now have the right to ask that your plan reconsider its denial of payment. Lifetime limits on most benefits are banned for all new health insurance plans. Insurance companies must now publicly justify any unreasonable rate hikes. Your premium dollars must be spent primarily on health care...
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...Health Reforms in India Name Institution Date Health Reforms in India Introduction Reforms describe positive changes that are effected in a system or practice, typically with regard to political, social or economic aspects, with a view to realizing better outcomes from the system, process or institution. Reforms in different sectors within a region or state are geared towards improving efficiency in the process. Successful implementation of reforms results in improvement in the process outcomes. For example, when a country implements reforms within its justice system, improvements could be witnessed through an easier processing and completion of cases and better treatment of suspects and convicts. One of the areas which have seen reforms in various countries of the world is healthcare. Perhaps as a result of increasing appreciation of the value of a healthy population in socio-economic and political development, coupled with an ever increasing threat to human health, authorities in different countries, including the US and India are implementing a wide range of health reforms. In India, in particular, the government is undertaking reforms with a view to improving the access to quality healthcare for the citizens. This paper discusses health reforms in India, with a focus on the specific aspects of the reforms, and the extent to which it has improved healthcare delivery in the Asian country. The paper also provides a few recommendations on...
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...May 1, 2014 Health Care Reform Universal health care refers to a detailed type of health care system which allows for financial security and health care to all citizens. The system itself is structured around providing a particular course of benefits to all members of a society with the end objective of improving individual access of health care services and thus enhancing outcomes regarding ailments and diseases. It is important to note that universal health care does not entail coverage for all people for everything, but it covers the decisive aspects of certain medicinal healthcare coverage as long as that individual is an inhabitant of the country that offers that universal coverage. The insurance companies play a significant role in universal health care in the United States. The number of underinsured and uninsured individuals in the United States is striking and has skyrocketed dramatically within the last few years. As of 2007 there was an estimated 25 million people underinsured in the United states, up 60 percent from 2003. Much of this significant rise has result throughout individuals who are noted as being middle class, while low income individuals remain vulnerable, middle income families have been hit the hardest. Therefore a strong correlation between health insurance coverage and access was necessary, as health insurance affects the economic comfort of families. Insurance aids in the decrease of ambiguity that is associated with health care needs....
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...United States Main article: Health care reform in the United States Health care reform in the United States Healthcare reform in the US Debate over reform History Latest enacted legislation Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Senate bill - H.R. 3590) Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (H.R. 4872) preceding legislation Social Security Amendments of 1965 Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (1986) Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (1996) Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act (2003) Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act (2005) [show] More information -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This box: view· talk· edit See also: Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Maximum Out-of-Pocket Premium as Percentage of Family Income (Source: CRS) 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...
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