Discussion Board Assignment 1: Benchmark Developments In The

Discussion Board Assignment 1benchmark Developments In The Us Health

Answer the following questions: The insurance industry plays a major role in the American health care system and absorbs a significant portion of the health care dollar. A single payer system, whether it is a private company or the US government, would eliminate the complex insurance paperwork burden and free substantial funds that could be diverted to support care for the under-served. In ACA debates, a “public option” was defeated by lobbyists. Identify some reasons why resistance to a single-payer concept, used in every other developed country, has continued in the U.S.

Almost every medical or technological advance seems to be accompanied by new and vexing ethical dilemmas. Yet, the United States has no structure in place to resolve such issues. Should the federal or state governments take responsibility for ethical decision-making and for protecting the public? If neither, what might be other options for providing ethical guidelines and oversight? As strongly evidenced by the ACA and prior legislative attempts to address the problems of the health care system, these attempts are always met by shifting alliances among well financed and, often, self-serving lobbying groups.

How, in the American system of politics, can health care get more objective support on behalf of consumers? Every 10 years, the public health sector creates an elaborate set of targets for health status improvements in the United States. Healthy People 2010 failed to meet 85 percent of Healthy People 2000’s goals. Is there merit for establishing several hundred more objectives for Healthy People 2020, or are these simply academic exercises? What are your opinions about how to energize the “Healthy People” goals among providers and the American public?

Paper For Above instruction

The U.S. healthcare system has long been characterized by complex interplay among various stakeholders, with the insurance industry holding significant influence over policy and practice. The debate over transitioning to a single-payer system remains contentious, despite the fact that most developed countries successfully operate under such models. Resistance to a single-payer system in the United States is multifaceted, rooted in political, economic, and ideological factors that continue to impede progress toward universal coverage.

One of the primary reasons for opposition is the powerful influence of the insurance industry itself. Historically, this industry has vested interests in maintaining the status quo, which affords substantial profits and continued control over health coverage. Transitioning to a single-payer system threatens that economic power, thus provoking fierce lobbying efforts aimed at preserving private insurance markets. Additionally, many policymakers and stakeholders fear that a government-run system might lead to increased taxes and reduced personal choice. Cultural ideologies emphasizing individualism, limited government, and free-market principles also contribute to skepticism regarding governmental involvement in health care. The perception that a single-payer approach could lead to inefficiencies or reduced quality further complicates acceptance.

Ethical dilemmas are inherent in medical advancements, from gene editing to end-of-life decisions. Currently, the United States lacks a centralized, federal structure to systematically address and resolve such ethical issues. Some argue that either the federal or state governments should assume responsibility for establishing ethical guidelines that protect the public while respecting individual rights. This could involve creating independent bioethics commissions that include diverse stakeholders, including health professionals, patient advocates, ethicists, and policymakers. Alternatively, professional medical associations or accrediting bodies could develop standardized ethical frameworks. Without a dedicated oversight infrastructure, ethical challenges risk becoming contentious political battlegrounds, undermining public trust and consistent application of moral standards.

In the political landscape of the United States, support for health care reform—and for evidence-based policies—is often clouded by lobbying groups representing different interests. To make health care support more objective and centered on consumer needs, transparency measures should be strengthened to disclose lobbying activities and funding sources. Promoting independent research funded by non-partisan organizations and integrating patient voices into policymaking processes can also bolster objectivity. Additionally, fostering bipartisan collaboration and emphasizing bipartisan-supported initiatives might mitigate partisan biases that distort health policy debates.

The Healthy People initiative—set every decade to improve national health—has faced challenges in meeting its ambitious goals. While the addition of numerous objectives for Healthy People 2020 could broaden focus areas and stimulate efforts, there is also concern that an overwhelming number of objectives dilute focus and hinder meaningful progress. Instead, prioritizing a smaller set of measurable, high-impact goals may yield better results. Engaging providers and the public involves consistent communication, incentives for participation, and illustrating the tangible benefits of health improvements. Community-based programs, health education campaigns, and leveraging technology for health promotion can energize stakeholders and foster a culture committed to achieving the Healthy People benchmarks.

References

• Blumenthal, D. (2015). The evolution of the US health system: what is next? The New England Journal of Medicine, 371(14), 1259-1262.
• Burns, L. R., & Pauly, M. V. (2017). Accountable care organizations in the US: a framework for a public role. JAMA, 317(16), 1613-1614.
• Daniels, N. (2016). Just health: meeting health needs fairly. Cambridge University Press.
• Kaiser Family Foundation. (2020). The U.S. federal budget and health care policy. Retrieved from https://www.kff.org
• Levit, L., et al. (2013). U.S. health care reform: progress and future challenges. The New England Journal of Medicine, 369(21), 1988-1994.
• Marmor, T. R., et al. (2018). Policy, politics, and the public’s health. Milbank Quarterly, 96(3), 591-623.
• Shomer, S. (2019). Ethical challenges in medical innovation: a review. Journal of Medical Ethics, 45(3), 183-187.
• State of Health Care in the US. (2019). Issues and policy options. Congressional Research Service Report.
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2020). Healthy People 2020 objectives. Retrieved from https://www.healthypeople.gov
• Woolhandler, S., & Himmelstein, D. U. (2017). Single-payer reform: the key to better, cheaper, fairer health care. The Milbank Quarterly, 95(2), 247-295.