Free Health Care Access Improvement Essay Sample
Access to health care is one of the significant indicators that defines people’s quality of life. The United States government has made immense gains in improving the quality of health care, achieving more efficiency, and increasing access to health care. Despite these efforts, the government still faces a challenge in reducing the number of people who cannot access health care. The United States estimates that about 5 to 6% of its citizens do not have access to health care (Jones & US. Dept. of Agriculture, 2010). This statistics has been one of the catalysts for President Obama to reduce the number of people who cannot access care.
The ObamaCare is one of the programs that aimed at extending care to more citizens, by reducing inequality in health care access. This program stipulates that young adults will continue to receive care from their parent’s healthcare plans, until they are over 26 years old. In addition, the program mandates that the government should provide retirees aged between 55 and 64 with a temporary insurance cover for them to access health care. With regard to small business, the program extends a tax credit to small businesses to motivate them towards starting insurance programs for their employees (Sánchez, Kopp, & Sanzari, 2010). These strategies focus on providing increase access to care. Notably, lack of insurance appears to be one of the inhibiting factors reducing people’s access to health care. This is the reason the ObamaCare program’s focus is to increase insurance cover and provide Medicare for all (Pipes, 2010).
Various fundamental issues of fundamental importance reduce the success of ObamaCare program. Brock (2012), contends that ObamaCare program places a bigger emphasis on demand of health care services. This presents a complex situation because the program distorts the supply and demand relationship. Whereas demand is critical in promoting access to care, the supply of these services lies at the core of increasing the number of people who can access health care.
The intricate nature of healthcare access in the United States involves not only the demand and supply dynamics but also the regional variations in healthcare resources. Disparities in healthcare infrastructure and workforce distribution can significantly impact the success of programs like ObamaCare. Therefore, addressing these regional imbalances becomes essential to ensure that all citizens, regardless of their geographic location, have equitable access to healthcare services.
Furthermore, the evolving landscape of technology plays a pivotal role in shaping healthcare access. Integrating digital health solutions, telemedicine, and health information exchange systems can bridge gaps in accessibility, particularly for individuals in remote or underserved areas. The incorporation of innovative technologies aligns with the broader goals of enhancing efficiency and reach within the healthcare system.
Another critical aspect that warrants attention is the socio-economic determinants of health. While ObamaCare has made strides in reducing disparities, a more targeted approach towards addressing social determinants, such as income inequality, education, and housing, can have a profound impact on improving overall health outcomes. Collaborative efforts with other sectors beyond healthcare can amplify the program's effectiveness in creating lasting positive changes in the population's health.
Moreover, community engagement and education initiatives are instrumental in ensuring that individuals are aware of the available healthcare resources and are empowered to make informed decisions about their health. Public awareness campaigns can play a complementary role in the broader strategy of ObamaCare by fostering a culture of proactive health-seeking behavior and preventive care.
In conclusion, a comprehensive approach to healthcare access must consider regional disparities, leverage emerging technologies, address socio-economic determinants, and actively engage communities. By incorporating these elements into the healthcare framework, programs like ObamaCare can move beyond their initial goals and contribute to a more resilient and inclusive healthcare system for all Americans.