Health Insurance and Quality
In addressing health care reforms, health institutions target to improve the quality of health service provision and at the same time reduce costs incurred which improve patients’ involvement. The health care system faces major challenges in quality service provision, which clearly depicts the urgent need for reforms in the health sector. Attention has been shifted on the high number of population, which is not insured, and faces poor quality in health access and services. It also focuses on the remaining group, which is insured, but experiences a rapid escalation in costs of premium insurance covers. The administration uses more money per person on health care, but in the real sense, the quality of services offered is not in line with the pricing and is also biased. There is a necessity to come up with quality initiatives that could increase patient satisfaction and potentially reduce healthcare cost.
Reforming health care system delivery improves the quality of care delivery that is vital to address the escalation in cost and deprived quality services. One reform that can be implemented is a reduction in health insurance cover for all individuals and guarantee low-income earners are catered for (Penson, et.al. 2001). Currently, various insurance covers pay compensation costs of treatment depending on the premium services. The premium services are accessible to individuals who are financially stable, which allows them to access quality services at their institutions of choice. Although insurance cover is a stable way of medical coverage, it is not accessible to everyone especially the low-income earners. The government can set measures that flat line the insurance cover to ensure that it ensures quality services for everyone with no bias.
Another reform that can be included is the health system called Medicare that covers everyone seeking health services (Penson, et.al. 2001). There are nations that have successfully executed this medical care system that has proven effective. It creates equitable health service provision for everybody to choose their own health facilities and get quality services at low prices. The government can set up manageable taxes for the working class, which covers those who are unemployed. It means that the government only boosts up any financial differences and is able to cover everyone varied from any gender or class. It ensures the individuals are catered for in terms of health service provision.
Patient involvement in treatment programs increases patient satisfaction and is an effective model of health service provision. The health service providers specifically the nurses should include their patients in the treatment process and explain to them their rights and financial options for quality services. Patient participation in treatment ensures that they choose the most suitable treatment mode that increases satisfaction in service delivery. In addition, it also lowers the cost of service delivery with the aim of providing quality health care.
Use of Medicare or Medicaid as a potential pay source for urgent care is an appropriate mode because it covers for individuals with low-income finances or disabilities. Despite the fact that Medicare does not cover all costs of medical treatment, it is unethical to dismiss patients with urgent care simply because they cannot cover for the services (Teitelbaum & Wilensky, 2012). There are services, which are just as effective as providing thorough check-up. Such services can be covered using Medicare, and as such, it is important to include Medicaid as a pay source. In addition, having Medicare is much better than paying cash services. It ensures beneficiaries are able to obtain timely care and constant supervision. Thus, it is a great payment method for health service provision.
References
Penson, D. F., Stoddard, M. L., Pasta, D. J., Lubeck, D. P., Flanders, S. C., & Litwin, M. S. (2001). The association between socioeconomic status, health insurance coverage, and quality of life in men with prostate cancer. Journal of clinical epidemiology, 54(4), 350-358.
(2012). In J. B. Teitelbaum, & S. E. Wilensky, Essentials of Health Policy and Law (pp. 102-117). Burlington, Massachusetts: Jones & Bartlett Publishers.