In this discussion post I will discuss information related to current health care reform and civil rights. Health care policies related to access, equity, quality, and cost will be included. I will discuss what health care reform mean to the uninsured and underinsured. The limited access to vulnerable populations will also be covered. I will also discuss what nursing can do to help increase awareness of civil rights in health care. Upon discussing these issues, I will end this discussion with a conclusion. 75% of the nation’s population live in rural areas and this population has higher levels of adversity in health care (Mason, Leavitt, & Chaffee, 2014). Rural America is categorized by economic factors, cultural and social differences, lack of education, decreased …show more content…
Most of the uninsured are adults from working families who earn a low income. These adults are most likely ineligible to receive Medicaid. Uninsured individuals are more likely to be in worse health than those who are privately insured. The uninsured pay for one third of their health care out of pocket, while the remaining costs are paid by federal, state, and private funds. The underinsured affects those with health insurance coverage, but who pay an increased amount of out of pocket expenses, due to premiums changing, cost-sharing requirements, and limits on benefits. These individuals are more apt to have problems with health care accessibility due to costs. Nurse-managed health centers (NMHCs) are community based health centers whose services are provided by advanced practices registered nurses. These centers serve both racial and ethnic diverse population. NMHCs use a monetary scale to collect payment from uninsured individuals. They depend on charitable grants to make up the
Kaiser Permanente’s mission is to provide care assistance to those in need. As a health maintenance organization, Kaiser Permanente provides preventive care such as prenatal care, immunizations, diagnostics, hospital medical and pharmacy services. Also, they take responsibility and provide exceptional training for their future health professionals for better clinical performance and treatment for the patients. The organization is to ensure fair and proper treatment towards their employees for a pleasant working environment in hospital and to provide medical services especially in a growing population in suburban communities, such as Tracy and Stockton in California.
National Rural Health Alliance (2007). Yearbook and Annual Report 2006–2007 [Electronic version]. Retrieved April 09 from
For decades, individuals living in rural areas have been considered medically underserved. Access to healthcare is a problem that has been increasing for individuals in rural America due to aging populations, declining economies, rural hospital closures, rising healthcare costs, healthcare provider shortages and difficulties attracting and retaining healthcare personnel and physicians (Bauer, 2002). This population experience more health disparities than t...
The growing number of uninsured and underinsured is on the rise. In 1979, 11 million African americans were uninsured (Jaffe 10). Today, the number is 15 million and it is increasing every year (Jaffe 11). According to the Department of Health and Human Services, thirteen million blacks in America have health care and fourteen million do not (Fitzgerald 31). Also, those who are insured today may be at risk tomorrow if their employer drops coverage, or the head of the household changes or loses their job. Most blacks in the United States who are uninsured simply cannot receive health care at an affordable price because their employer does not offer it and self-insurance cost much more. The lack of adequate insurance can be devastating to families both in financial terms and in terms of timely access to needed health care (Jaffe 12). Altogether, collection agencies report every year that most blacks are in debt due to unpaid medical bills, because they are not insured or they are underinsured.
In the United States alone there is 257 Federal Regulatory Agencies. Each one having their own set of standards, regulations and compliance laws. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in one such agency that exist under the United States Department of Labor. Even healthcare giants like Kaiser Permanente have to be within complain with OSHA regulations or face fines for violations. While there are many things that could harm you in a work environment, OSHA has rules in place to make sure that the likelihood of harm is controlled through proper training, protective measures, and worker’s rights.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people, who are age sixty five or older, or people that have End Stage Renal Disease and permanent disabilities. There are four different entities of Medicare to include; Medicare Part A which is the Hospital Benefit that covers inpatient hospital services, hospice treatment, skilled nursing facilities and other home health services. Medicare Part B that covers the Professional component of the physicians' services, preventive services and medical supplies then there is Medicare Part C which is considered a Medicare Advantage Plans that is offered by a private company that has a contract with Medicare to provide the patient with both Part A and Part B benefits. A Medicare Advantage Plans consist of Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO), Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO), and Private Fee for Special Needs Plans, Service Plans, and Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans.
The healthcare delivery system is a part of a large complex healthcare organization. It is made up of many moving parts for a large hospital to a small clinic. Kaiser Permanente is a health care delivery organization that services in several different states.
The three patient related factors that influence healthcare disparities in West Texas are socioeconomic, health education, and health behavior. West Texas is home to 2.8 million people with 98 out of 108 counties being classified as rural (TTUHSC, n.d). Much of these 98 counties are populated by farmers and low-income people with Medicaid or Medicare. Access to healthcare is very limited and it is often to financially taxing to drive to one of the bigger cities for care. This leads to a disparity in health education. With 22 of the 98 counties being without
Medicaid is currently the largest source of funding for medical and health related services for people in the United States with low-income, disabilities, nursing home and community-based long-term care. Medicaid has been referred to as a safety net for the needy. As a parent of a disabled child, I have a personal interest in the Medicaid system, its history, current functioning, and future plans.
Many people cannot afford health care. For example, Medicaid is used for people who cannot afford medical insurance. Healthy people do not have to be enforced to pay for Medicaid because of other’s choices of obesity, smoking, and drug addiction. Drug addicts should be left out of the system. Healthy people must not pay for the unhealthy habits of other people who aren't willing to gain any recovery. Medicaid should not be paid by healthy U.S. citizens for people who cause their own illnesses because of the amount of its participants, the tax burden and of the abuse of Medicaid.
Quality, Agency for Healthcare Research and. "Health Care Disparities in Rural Areas." Healthcare Disparities . 2005.
Health insurance plans are important because individuals can't stay healthy continuously. Ailments will almost certainly come about at any time as individuals are constantly exposed to contaminants. Pigging out, lack of workouts and other harmful habits can also land a person in the emergency room. Having health insurance plans ensures that you have money for these expenses. The protection provided might have you worrying much more about your overall health rather than paying costs.
Health Care cost refers to how much the country spends on health care services. The following determine how much money is used for it. Pharmaceutical, medical equipment, medical supplies, public functions of health care and doctors are included in this group to determine cost. Today health care cost in the United States is rising due to many factors. On this paper a discussion will be place of the reasons why the cost has raised and this has caused a more difficult access to obtain healthcare and the quality of health care is being provided by doctors.
Health care has always been an interesting topic all over the world. Voltaire once said, “The art of medicine consists of amusing the patient while nature cures the disease.” It may seem like health care that nothing gets accomplished in different health care systems, but ultimately many trying to cures diseases and improve health care systems.
Health Care Cost The world is become ageing. Healthcare cost increased together with an aging population. Old age is typically brings medical problems and increased healthcare expenses. Healthcare is expensive.