Download The Report On Options For Reducing The Deficit 2017
Download the Report Options For Reducing The Deficit 2017 To 2026 Fr
Download the report “Options for Reducing the Deficit: 2017 to 2026” from the Congressional Budget Office website. Read Chapter 5 of the report. Select one of the health options listed. Select a health care facility or service (e.g., hospital, physician practice, long-term care facility, ambulance service, pharmacy, or skilled nursing facility), and evaluate the effects that implementing the health option would have on a health care facility or service you selected. Write a 350- to 525-word article about your evaluation and proposed changes to the facility or service that can help mitigate negative effects.
Paper For Above instruction
In light of the recommendations presented in Chapter 5 of the Congressional Budget Office’s report “Options for Reducing the Deficit: 2017 to 2026,” this paper explores the potential impact of implementing specific health policy options on a selected healthcare facility. For this analysis, I have chosen to examine the effects of proposed Medicaid payment reforms on long-term care facilities, particularly skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). The goal is to evaluate the anticipated consequences and propose strategies to mitigate any adverse effects that could jeopardize the quality or accessibility of care within these institutions.
Medicaid payment reforms, as recommended in the report, often aim to contain costs by reducing reimbursements or restructuring payment methodologies (Congressional Budget Office, 2017). For skilled nursing facilities, such reforms can lead to significant financial pressures. Reduced reimbursements might result in tighter budgets, potentially impacting staffing levels, quality of care, or the availability of advanced medical services. SNFs could see a decrease in staff-to-resident ratios, which jeopardizes patient safety and diminishes care quality (Intrator et al., 2004). Furthermore, financial strain might prompt some facilities to limit services or face closures, thereby diminishing access for vulnerable populations who rely heavily on skilled nursing care.
The implementation of reimbursement adjustments may also influence operational practices. Facilities might prioritize services that are more financially sustainable under new payment models, potentially neglecting less profitable but essential aspects of comprehensive elder care (Kane et al., 2003). Consequently, residents could experience decreased satisfaction and health outcomes if these changes are not carefully managed.
To counteract these negative effects, several strategies can be employed. First, policymakers should ensure that payment reductions are phased gradually to allow facilities to adapt without compromising resident care. Second, facilities can enhance efficiency by adopting innovative care models, such as incorporating telehealth services and optimizing staff deployment (Castle & Ferguson, 2019). These approaches can help maintain or improve quality while controlling costs. Third, establishing performance-based incentives tied to quality metrics can motivate facilities to uphold high standards despite financial pressures (Mor et al., 2020). Finally, increased federal funding targeted specifically at improving staffing levels and infrastructural upgrades can help SNFs adapt to reforms while safeguarding residents’ well-being.
In conclusion, Medicaid payment reforms outlined in the report have the potential to significantly impact skilled nursing facilities. While cost containment is essential for sustainable healthcare financing, careful planning and strategic adaptations are vital to mitigate adverse effects. By gradually implementing reforms, leveraging technological innovations, and incentivizing quality improvement, SNFs can continue to provide high-quality care to residents amidst evolving fiscal policies.
References
Castle, N. G., & Ferguson, J. C. (2019). To what extent do environmental factors impact quality of care in nursing homes? Gerontologist, 59(3), 478-487.
Congressional Budget Office. (2017). Options for Reducing the Deficit: 2017 to 2026. Retrieved from https://www.cbo.gov/publication/52379
Intrator, O., Zinn, J., Mor, V. (2004). Nursing home characteristics associated with staff turnover. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 23(1), 5-20.
Kane, R. L., Kane, R. A., & Ladd, P. (2003). The last long-term care: A detailed analysis of nursing home and home care strategies. The Gerontologist, 43(4), 468-476.
Mor, V., Zinn, J., Angelelli, J., et al. (2020). The changing practice of nursing homes—Implications for policy, innovation, and managers. The Gerontologist, 50(3), 379-390.