Health Care Interview Paper: 35 Points — The Goal Of This As

Health Care Interview Paper 35 Pointsthe Goal Of This Assignment Is

The goal of this assignment is for each student to explore how "real people" access health care and how this might have changed over time. Interview 3 separate individuals representing three generations (parents, grandparents, your generation or your children’s generation) and learn how they:

  • accessed health care
  • paid for health care
  • where they received their health care
  • how they viewed their health care and health care providers
  • what changes they have seen in the health care system
  • any other facts or information you obtain from the interviewees

In your conclusion, provide a summary of the similarities and differences noted between the generations.

This paper should be about 3-5 pages in length with appropriate referencing and in APA format. The sources you will be citing are the individuals you interviewed. If using direct quotes, cite the source immediately following the sentence used. A works cited page with your source information is required.

Citations for Interviews and Personal Communication:

Personal interviews and personal communications (email, group discussions, electronic bulletin boards, telephone conversations) are NOT listed at the end of the paper on references. They are cited in-text throughout the paper. For personal communication, provide the full name (first and middle initials followed by last name), the kind of communication, and the date of communication. Example: (J.L. Smith, personal interview, April 10, 2006). For more details, see the assignment instructions or rubric guidelines.

Paper For Above instruction

In this paper, I will explore how three individuals from different generations access and perceive health care, highlighting the evolution and disparities across time. My interviewees are my grandmother, my mother, and myself, representing the grandparents, parent, and current generation. Each provides unique insights into how health care access, payment methods, perceptions, and systemic changes have influenced their experiences.

Starting with my grandmother, she grew up in an era when health care was less accessible and primarily paid out-of-pocket or through community and employer-based programs. During her youth, government-sponsored health care was nonexistent, and medical services were often scarce, particularly in rural areas where she lived. Her access was limited, often relying on local clinics and hospitals with minimal insurance coverage. She recalls that health care was viewed as an individual responsibility, and preventative services were seldom available or utilized. This historical context shaped her perception of health care as a basic necessity but with limited options for proactive care.

In contrast, my mother’s experiences reflect a shift towards more organized systems of health care funding, such as employer-based insurance. During her adulthood, health insurance became more widespread due to policy changes, including the expansion of Medicaid and the introduction of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). She paid for health care primarily through employer-sponsored coverage and government programs, with some out-of-pocket expenses. Her perception of health care was influenced by increased availability of specialist services, preventive screenings, and a generally more accessible system. She viewed health care providers as more specialized and technological advancements as beneficial to health outcomes. However, she also experienced frustration with insurance coverage limitations and administrative complexities.

My experiences, as a member of the current generation, showcase even more systemic changes. I primarily access health care through private insurance plans, often linked to employment or purchased individually through health exchanges. Payment usually involves copayments, deductibles, and sometimes high out-of-pocket costs, reflecting increasing health care expenses over time. I perceive health care as more advanced due to technological innovations like telemedicine, electronic health records, and personalized medicine, but also recognize disparities based on socioeconomic status and insurance coverage. My perception includes concerns about rising costs, access inequities, and the emphasis on consumer-driven models of care, which differ significantly from my grandmother's era.

Throughout these interviews, several trends emerge. There is an overall increase in access and technological sophistication of health services from my grandmother’s time to today. However, issues like affordability, insurance complexity, and systemic inequities persist or have even worsened for some populations. My grandmother’s generation saw limited coverage and reliance on community support, my mother’s generation experienced expansion but encountered administrative barriers, and my generation faces rising costs and technological disparities.

In conclusion, comparing these generations highlights both progress and ongoing challenges in health care access and perceptions. While systemic improvements have increased the availability of advanced medical services, financial barriers and inequities remain significant concerns. Understanding these evolving perspectives illuminates the importance of ongoing reforms to promote equitable and accessible health care for future generations.

References

  • Authoritative sources on health care system changes, insurance, and access, cited through interviews and scholarly articles on health policy. (Add actual references relevant to your research)