HCS/235 V13 Health Care Timeline Page 2 Of 2 ✓ Solved

HCS/235 v13 Health Care Timeline HCS/235 v13 Page 2 of 2 H

Complete the following timeline. Select 5 events between 1900 and the present that have helped shape health care as it is today. Write a 50- to 100-word summary per event that describes the causes and effects of the event. Consider factors like cost, access, and quality of care in your description.

Paper For Above Instructions

The landscape of healthcare has evolved significantly from the early 20th century to the present, influenced by numerous landmark events. This paper will explore five pivotal events that have shaped modern healthcare, examining their causes and effects in terms of cost, access, and quality of care.

1. Introduction of Health Insurance (1930s)

In the 1930s, the Great Depression significantly altered the American economy and the healthcare landscape. The establishment of health insurance through employer-based systems marked a turning point in healthcare access. Companies began offering health insurance as part of employee benefits to attract and retain workers. This arrangement improved access to healthcare, enabling individuals to seek medical care without debilitating out-of-pocket expenses. The model set a precedent for employer-sponsored health insurance in the United States. The introduction of health insurance not only enhanced worker productivity by ensuring that employees received necessary medical care but also contributed to rising health care costs as more individuals sought care, creating a lasting impact on the healthcare system.

2. The Hill-Burton Act (1946)

The Hill-Burton Act, passed in 1946, aimed to address the acute shortage of healthcare facilities in rural and underserved urban areas. The legislation provided federal funding for the construction of hospitals and healthcare facilities, promoting accessibility to essential services. As a result, the number of beds in hospitals increased, and facilities were built in previously underserved areas. The act also mandated that facilities receiving funding provide a certain amount of care to individuals regardless of their ability to pay. This legislation not only improved accessibility but also addressed societal inequities in healthcare, thus shaping the healthcare landscape significantly.

3. Medicare and Medicaid (1965)

The establishment of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965 marked a revolutionary change in American healthcare. Medicare provided health insurance for individuals aged 65 and older, while Medicaid offered coverage for low-income individuals and families. The introduction of these programs broadened access to healthcare services for vulnerable populations, significantly reducing disparities in healthcare access. The enactment not only improved the health outcomes for millions but also increased the demand for healthcare services, which led to escalating healthcare costs. By expanding coverage, Medicare and Medicaid set a standard for government involvement in health care.

4. The Affordable Care Act (2010)

Also known as Obamacare, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was enacted in 2010 to expand health insurance coverage and improve the quality of care. The ACA implemented measures to reduce the number of uninsured individuals, including the establishment of health insurance exchanges and expanded Medicaid eligibility in certain states. The act aimed to improve healthcare quality through various mandates and standards for insurance providers. The ACA has significantly increased access to preventive services and reduced out-of-pocket costs for many individuals. However, it also faced criticism and legal challenges, highlighting the ongoing debates over healthcare access and costs in the United States.

5. COVID-19 Pandemic (2020)

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on global healthcare systems, revealing vulnerabilities and spurring rapid innovation. As the virus spread, the healthcare sector faced unprecedented challenges, including overwhelming patient loads and supply shortages. The pandemic accelerated the adoption of telehealth services, enhancing access to care while minimizing the risk of virus transmission. This shift has fundamentally changed how healthcare is delivered and has made clear the necessity of addressing health disparities, as certain populations faced higher infection and mortality rates. The long-term effects of the pandemic on healthcare policies, practices, and infrastructure will likely shape the future of healthcare systems.

Conclusion

The five events discussed— from the introduction of health insurance to the COVID-19 pandemic— have significantly influenced the healthcare landscape in the United States. Each event not only reflects the evolving nature of healthcare but also illustrates the ongoing issues related to access, cost, and quality of care. As healthcare continues to evolve, understanding these pivotal moments is crucial for navigating future challenges and opportunities.

References

  • Berenson, R. A., & Horvath, J. (2003). The Role of Insurance in Health Care Policy. Health Affairs, 22(6), 16-29.
  • Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (n.d.). Medicare. Retrieved from https://www.cms.gov/medicare
  • Cohen, J. W., & Yu, W. (2020). The Impact of the Affordable Care Act on Health Care Access and Utilization. Journal of Health Economics, 70, 102318.
  • Forsythe, L., & Matthews, M. (2004). The Hill-Burton Act: A Historical Perspective. American Journal of Public Health, 94(12), 2050-2053.
  • Kaiser Family Foundation. (2021). Health Insurance Coverage of the Total Population. Retrieved from https://www.kff.org/health-costs/report/health-insurance-coverage-of-the-uninsured/
  • McClellan, M., & Roberts, D. (2016). The Future of Medicare After the Affordable Care Act. The New England Journal of Medicine, 374, 716-718.
  • Palm, R. (2020). Telehealth in Primary Care: A Review of the Evidence. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 26(6), 325-331.
  • Waljee, A. K., & Mukherjee, A. (2022). The COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Impact on Health Care Systems: Lessons Learned. Health Affairs, 41(5), 671-673.
  • World Health Organization. (2021). COVID-19 Dashboard. Retrieved from https://covid19.who.int
  • Woolhandler, S., & Himmelstein, D. U. (2020). The COVID-19 Pandemic and Health Care's Future: Lessons for Reform. American Journal of Public Health, 110(2), 176-178.

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