Less Than 10% Similarity References APA This Is Another Stud ✓ Solved

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Less Than 10 % similarity References APA This is another student

The current American model (ACA) is based on private healthcare. Americans lack universal access to health, so they depend on private insurance for health care. There are three ways to get coverage in the US: through a job, buying it individually, or, for those without resources or aged 65 and older, through public programs. The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for health care reforms that promote universal access to affordable care.

About half of Americans receive health coverage through their employer. With record numbers filing for unemployment insurance, millions find themselves without health insurance during the largest pandemic in a century. Even those who maintain insurance coverage may find care unaffordable (King, 2020). Research showed that more than half of Americans with employer-sponsored health insurance have delayed or postponed treatment for themselves or family members due to cost. The loss of jobs, income, and health insurance during the pandemic exacerbates existing health care cost challenges for many Americans (King, 2020). The pandemic has exposed serious shortcomings in the American health system.

Prior to this event, a health reform ensuring universal access to quality care for all Americans was necessary. A potential model for reform could be based on the Canadian or British health systems, which are financed by the government and adhere to five principles: accessibility, completeness of services, public management, and universality for citizens and permanent residents. It is important to note that some services, like dental and vision, are not covered in the Canadian model (Thomson, 2012). While no health system is perfect, health is a fundamental right that should be guaranteed to all individuals, and the U.S. has the potential for a high-quality, affordable healthcare system.

The ACA includes ten essential health benefits: ambulatory patient services, emergency services, hospitalization, maternity and newborn care, mental health and substance use disorder services, prescription drugs, rehabilitative and habilitative services, laboratory services, preventive and wellness services, and pediatric services (Bagley & Levy, 2014). Since its implementation, the ACA has successfully provided coverage for over 20 million previously uninsured individuals between 2010 and 2017. This was partly due to an improving economy and federal subsidies that helped many afford their insurance (Williams, 2020).

Despite its successes, the ACA has faced significant failures. A growing number of insurers have exited the state-regulated markets since the ACA's first year of implementation in 2014, decreasing competition among policy providers. This has led to fewer insurance options, with some counties having only one insurer offering ACA-type policies. In October 2016, it was announced that ACA-type policies would see a national average premium increase of 25%, with significant variations across states like Arizona and Illinois (Williams, 2020).

Overall, while the ACA has increased the number of individuals with insurance, it has not necessarily improved coverage quality. The most significant enrollment growth has been among Medicaid expansion, which does not adequately support the working and middle class who earn above 400% of the federal poverty level (Center, 2017). Consequently, many eligible for subsidies have not signed up, creating financial strain on the ACA as insufficient healthy individuals participate to support the costs of those who are ill.

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The debate concerning the accessibility and quality of healthcare in the United States is increasingly intertwined with the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The post highlights critical areas of concern, particularly how the pandemic has underscored existing vulnerabilities within the private healthcare model established by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Given that approximately half of Americans rely on employer-sponsored insurance, the rise in unemployment due to the pandemic has caused millions to lose their health coverage, exposing glaring gaps in the current system (King, 2020).

The urgent need for reform cannot be overstated. The pandemic has revealed that healthcare is a necessity and reflects a societal commitment to ensure that every individual has access to adequate care, regardless of employment status. Research consistently indicates that high healthcare costs deter Americans from seeking necessary treatments (King, 2020). This indirectly points towards a structural flaw in relying predominantly on private insurance, where financial barriers prevent timely access to healthcare services.

Health reform in the U.S. could be adapted from successful models in Canada and the United Kingdom, both of which prioritize universal accessibility and comprehensive care (Thomson et al., 2012). Although no healthcare model is devoid of challenges, adopting a system that guarantees coverage based on need rather than income would reduce the disparities faced by low-income families or individuals with pre-existing conditions. Comprehensive reforms could include expanding Medicaid and imposing regulations on insurer practices to prevent discrimination based on health status.

The essential benefits outlined under the ACA are crucial but often insufficient in addressing all health needs. It is vital to examine gaps where specific services such as mental health support and preventive care are not adequately met (Bagley & Levy, 2014). As the pandemic continues, it is imperative to address these elements to ensure holistic care for all Americans. Moreover, increasing awareness of mental health challenges has spotlighted the importance of integrating mental health services into standard care (Williams, 2020). With rising unemployment and stress levels, the ACA must evolve to support individuals holistically.

In examining the successes of the ACA, it is essential to acknowledge the 20 million individuals who gained insurance coverage since its inception. However, the challenges surrounding insurer participation and premium affordability indicate that improvements are still needed (Williams, 2020). The increase in premiums has led to fewer options for consumers, further stressing the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the healthcare system. Ensuring healthy participation from a broader demographic is key to stabilizing the market and providing financial sustainability.

The critique of the ACA primarily lies in its failures to support the working and middle classes effectively. Those earning above 400% of the federal poverty level often struggle to receive adequate assistance, which may lead to increased health disparities (Center, 2017). This unaddressed gap highlights the necessity of recognizing diverse income brackets when proposing reforms. Providing tiered subsidies or innovative policies could bolster participation among healthier populations, which financially supports the broader system.

Ultimately, the health care crisis fueled by the Covid-19 pandemic presents an opportunity for substantial change. The challenges elucidated by the pandemic can serve as a catalyst for reform that aligns healthcare access with the fundamental right to health. The U.S. healthcare system must shift its focus from a profit-driven model to one that prioritizes the health and well-being of all its citizens. In doing so, America can strengthen its capacity to respond to public health emergencies and ensure all individuals can access necessary care.

References

• Bagley, N., & Levy, H. (2014). Essential health benefits and the Affordable Care Act: Law and process. Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law, 39(2).
• Center, H., Woods, C. A., Manchikanti, L., & Purdue Pharma, L. P. (2017). A critical analysis of Obamacare: Affordable care or insurance for many and coverage for few. Pain Physician, 20.
• King, J. S. (2020). Covid-19 and the need for health care reform. New England Journal of Medicine.
• Thomson, S., Osborn, R., Squires, D., & Jun, M. (2012). International profiles of health care systems 2012: Australia, Canada, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States.
• Williams, R. A. (2020). Healthcare Reform Law (Obamacare): Update on “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” and the Persistence of Polarization on Repeal and Replace. In Blacks in Medicine (pp. 91-95). Springer, Cham.

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