In the United States, most individuals obtain health insurance through their employer. Briefly describe the impact of health insurance on access to care and health outcomes. Is a reliance on employer-based health insurance plans ideal for the individual, health care providers, employers, and society? Should the federal government have a more prominent role in providing health insurance? Explain and defend your positions with evidence, and recommend a policy action that aligns with your position.
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Introduction:
Health insurance is an essential aspect of the American healthcare system. The majority of individuals in the United States acquire coverage through their employers. However, the reliance on employer-based health insurance plans has both positive and negative effects on access to care and health outcomes. This answer will examine the impact of health insurance on access to care and health outcomes, evaluate the principle of relying on employer-based health insurance plans for individuals, health care providers, and society, and recommend a policy action that aligns with the presented position.
Answer:
Health insurance allows individuals to access medical care, which improves health outcomes. Health insurance coverage helps individuals obtain timely care when they require it, which reduces the progression of illnesses and improves recovery. Health insurance significantly lowers out-of-pocket costs, which are a significant barrier to accessing care, especially for individuals with low-income. On the other hand, reliance on employer-based health insurance plans for health coverage limits access to care for those who are unemployed, self-employed, or underemployed.
In terms of the principle of relying on employer-based health insurance plans, it is not an ideal solution for the individual, health care providers, employers, and society. Employers may experience a financial burden due to their health insurance obligations, which may result in lower wages and fewer job opportunities. Health care providers may experience reduced reimbursement rates and limitations on treatment options, resulting in lower-quality care. Society as a whole may suffer from inferior health outcomes due to limited access to care, which may lower workforce productivity and raise healthcare costs.
The federal government should have a central role in providing health insurance. Federal government-run health insurance programs provide coverage to the most vulnerable populations. The Affordable Care Act was a significant legislative victory that unlocked access to care for millions of Americans. Insurance options such as Medicaid and Medicare offer comprehensive health care coverage for low-income individuals and senior citizens, respectively. A universal health insurance plan, such as those found in other developed countries, would provide comprehensive coverage to all Americans, thereby eliminating the disparity between those who have access to health care and those who do not.
Policy Action:
The government should establish a comprehensive universal health insurance plan for all Americans. A government-funded universal health insurance plan would provide equal access to health care to all Americans, enhancing the healthcare quality by expanding coverage, eliminating disparities, and increasing the affordability and accessibility of medical care. The universal health insurance plan would help shift the burden of health insurance coverage from employers to the government, freeing up funds for employers’ payroll expenses. As such, a universal health insurance plan will benefit individuals, health care providers, employers, and society as a whole.
