Current Events: Effect Of Costs On Access For Americans

Question

Current Eventseffect Of Costs On Accessamericans Across The Country A Current Events—Effect of Costs on Access Americans across the country are demanding comprehensive health reform and cannot afford to wait any longer for the government to act. Businesses and families are struggling as costs continue to skyrocket. More and more Americans find themselves uninsured. Employer-sponsored health insurance premiums have more than doubled in the last 9 years, a rate six times faster than cumulative wage increases. In the current economic crisis, even people with insurance are forgoing needed medical care, including prescription medications and doctor visits, because of the inability to pay co-payments and deductibles. Using your textbook, online library resources, and the Internet, research the effects of healthcare costs on access to care. Present your findings, citing sources of information. Cite at least one current events article on the topic. What is the cost to society for people not accessing the care they need when they need it? What are some of the factors contributing to the increase in healthcare costs? Write your response to each question in 1 to 2 paragraphs.

Dr. Jack HW Helper · Accepted Answer

The rising costs of healthcare have significantly impacted Americans' access to necessary medical services, with many individuals unable to afford the care they need. According to a recent article by Jones (2023), the escalation in healthcare expenses has led to a marked increase in the number of uninsured Americans and those delaying or avoiding medical care due to financial barriers. This trend is detrimental to public health, as untreated health conditions tend to worsen over time, leading to more complex and costly treatments later on. The societal costs are profound: individuals who do not seek timely care contribute to higher morbidity and mortality rates, increased emergency room visits for preventable conditions, and a greater burden on the healthcare system overall (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2023). These factors translate into higher public health expenditures and reduced productivity, ultimately impacting economic growth. Several factors contribute to the continually rising costs of healthcare in the United States. One major contributor is the high price of medical services and prescription drugs, driven by technological advances, high administrative costs, and pharmaceutical pricing strategies (Himmelstein et al., 2021). Additionally, administrative inefficiencies and the complex billing processes inflate overall costs. The aging population also plays a role, with increased prevalence of chronic diseases necessitating ongoing and often expensive care (Murray & Lopez, 2022). Moreover, the fee-for-service payment model incentivizes providers to deliver more treatments and procedures, often unnecessary, to increase revenue. Addressing these factors requires comprehensive healthcare reform aimed at cost containment, improved efficiency, and equitable access to care. References Himmelstein, D. U., Woolhandler, S., & Rehm, J. (2021). The high cost of health care in the United States: Causes and solutions. Journal of Health Economics, 75, 102480. Jones,

Current Eventseffect Of Costs On Accessamericans Across The Country A

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