BUS FPX 4122 Assessment 2 Politics and Health Care Economics BUS-FPX4122 Health Care Economics Politics and Health Care Economics Influence and History of Healthcare Reform

Political healthcare reform in the United States has been a contentious issue for over two decades, primarily driven by high healthcare costs and low reimbursement rates from insurance companies. Numerous reforms have the potential to enhance the U.S. healthcare system, drawing valuable insights from countries such as Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom. This paper aims to review the current reforms in the U.S., compare them with other healthcare systems, and propose effective strategies for meaningful reform.

When analyzing healthcare reform in the U.S., it is essential to consider the initial reforms enacted in the early 1990s. These reforms aimed to repair and replace certain aspects of the New Deal and the changes initiated after the Great Depression. The Clinton administration’s reform plan sought to transform the mixed public-private healthcare system, aiming for universal coverage with employer contributions toward insurance premiums. However, the plan faced significant challenges in implementation, reflecting the ongoing struggle between reform leaders and popular movements (Oberlander, 2007; Hoffman, 2003).

Analysis of Non-U.S. Healthcare Models

Before discussing the 2014 U.S. healthcare reform, it is insightful to examine healthcare systems in other countries for comparison. Canada’s single-payer insurance system provides universal healthcare, with physicians interacting with a single insurance agency, similar to Medicare in the U.S. However, the Canadian system also has limitations, such as strict government control over pricing and limited private alternatives, which can lead to rationing of medical services (Lehr, 2004).

In contrast, Germany’s healthcare system employs a dual approach that includes both private insurance organizations and government welfare-type insurance companies. This system emphasizes individual contributions and autonomy, allowing for private insurance options based on income thresholds. By fostering competition and providing access to private sector options, the German model ensures broader coverage and reduced wait times, potentially serving as a role model for effective healthcare reform (Germany HIS, 2016).

Current Healthcare Reform

Following the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2014, the U.S. healthcare system transitioned into a three-tiered system comprising private insurance, government exchange plans, and government insurance programs like Medicare and Medicaid. While the ACA aimed to expand coverage and control costs, its impact remains under scrutiny. Analysts suggest that the law has benefited the healthcare system by attracting new customers, patients, and prescription users, but its long-term effects require further evaluation (Abelson, 2014).

Compared to healthcare models in other countries, the U.S. system offers greater access to private insurance, fostering a diversified market. However, this approach intensifies competition among insurance organizations, which may hinder the achievement of universal coverage. In contrast, models like Germany’s blend private and public elements, ensuring broader access without relying solely on government funding (Chenier, 2002).

Conclusion

In conclusion, government-based insurance models face challenges related to political unrest and financial burdens. Systems like Germany’s, which incorporate private sector competition and individual contributions, present promising alternatives for healthcare reform. As the U.S. continues to refine its healthcare system, lessons learned from both the successes and failures of other countries can inform future reforms, ultimately striving for accessible and sustainable healthcare for all.

References

Abelson, R. (2014, October 26). Is the Affordable Care Act Working? – The New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/10/27/us/is-the-affordable-care-act-working.html?_r=0#/

Chenier, N. M. (2002, December). Health policy in Canada (93-4E). Retrieved from http://publications.gc.ca/Collection-R/LoPBdP/CIR/934-e.htm