The U.S. Health Care System: A Blend of Public and Private

Research and Thesis Assignment: Health Care in the U.S.

Prepare well developed paragraphs in response to each of the following.

  • Personal reflections are helpful, however, this conversation is not restricted to our local tribal resources. The focus is on national health care, specifically the care described in the video and the types of healthcare described in the questions.
  1. The video provides a definition for "private" and "public" health care systems. Under our current system (popularly known as "Obamacare") many individuals are eligible for insurance but pay a smaller part of the cost, due to "subsidies" to make the insurance affordable. Further, by law, everyone is required to have insurance (with a few exceptions.) Other individuals are eligible for Medicaid, and seniors are eligible for Medicare (programs run by the government and paid by tax resources.) To confuse matters, Medicare recipients may choose "supplemental" and "advantage" private insurance plans to assist and/or manage their Medicare benefits. The majority of citizens rely on private insurance either provided by their employer, or insurance purchased as an "individual" policy. By law, everyone is mandated to enroll in a qualified insurance plan.

Based on these parameters, is the U.S. health care system a "private" system, or "public?" Please explain your answer, and provide examples. (Minimum 350 words.)

  1. Health care available to lower income families in Oklahoma is known as "SoonerCare." (Minimum 400 words.)

Please provide an overall summary of the benefits of SoonerCare.
Who is eligible?
What kind of "ratings" can you find documenting the satisfaction of SoonerCare for the enrollees?

  1. Despite the best efforts of "ObamaCare" and other more recent attempts to insure the population, about 10-20 million U.S. citizens remain uninsured. (Minimum 350 words.)

Why?
How do these individuals seek health care in an emergency? What is the cost to the taxpayer for these uninsured individuals (regarding unpaid medical expenses)?

  1. Due to the recent pandemic, several large pharmaceutical companies raced to provide a vaccine for all U.S. citizens. How was the research and development funded? What was the total cost to the American tax payer? (This research may be difficult. Remember, nothing is "free." Where did the money come from to pay for the research and development? If by taxes, what was the total cost to the American tax paying employee?) (Minimum 350 words.)
  2. One of the "Democrat" contenders during the 2020 primaries for President advocated a Medicare type system ("free" health care support by tax payers) for all U.S. citizens. On the other hand, Republicans have advocated a repeal of "ObamaCare." What is your position? (Minimum 500 words.)

This is not your "political" opinion. You cannot opt out of this question because you are not "political." The following questions should be addressed in your answer, however, develop your responses in well developed paragraphs. Include responses from the video and from your research.

Identify how you feel about the costs of healthcare. Is it a community responsibility? Should we all share the costs of health care (i.e. through taxes)? Why should one individual pay for the healthcare of another individual?
Or is it strictly a personal responsibility? Everyone should be responsible for their own costs?
What should a provider (hospital, doctor, etc.) do if an individual cannot pay for healthcare?
What about children? Should children be denied healthcare if the parents cannot afford it?
Are you willing to pay higher taxes to provide healthcare for all?

https://youtu.be/cbBKoyjFLUY?si=tNO4Ur_1gKa6_qDL
  The U.S. Health Care System: A Blend of Public and Private The U.S. health care system can be best described as a hybrid system that combines elements of both public and private health care. This unique blend is a result of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), commonly known as "Obamacare," which aimed to increase access to health insurance for all Americans. Under this system, individuals have the option to obtain insurance through both public and private entities. On one hand, there is a public health care system available for certain groups of individuals. Medicaid, for example, provides health insurance for low-income individuals and families. It is funded by the government and covers a wide range of medical services. Additionally, seniors aged 65 and older are eligible for Medicare, another publicly-funded program. These programs are primarily financed through taxes and aim to ensure that vulnerable populations have access to necessary health care services. On the other hand, private health insurance plays a significant role in the U.S. health care system. Many individuals rely on employer-sponsored insurance or purchase individual policies from private insurance companies. These plans often offer more comprehensive coverage options and provide individuals with greater flexibility in choosing their health care providers. Private insurance plans are typically funded through a combination of premiums paid by individuals and contributions from employers. Furthermore, the ACA introduced subsidies to make insurance more affordable for lower-income individuals who purchase insurance through the marketplace. These subsidies help cover a portion of the cost of premiums, making private insurance more accessible for those who would otherwise struggle to afford it. It is important to note that while the U.S. health care system has made strides in increasing access to insurance coverage, there are still millions of uninsured individuals. This highlights a significant challenge in the current system. The reasons for this lack of coverage can vary, including affordability issues, lack of awareness about available options, or personal choice to forego insurance. In emergency situations, uninsured individuals often seek care at emergency rooms, where they are legally entitled to receive treatment regardless of their ability to pay. However, this poses a burden on the health care system and ultimately leads to higher costs for taxpayers. Unpaid medical expenses incurred by uninsured individuals are often passed on to others through increased charges for services or higher insurance premiums. In terms of funding for research and development of vaccines, the recent pandemic highlighted the role of both public and private investment. The U.S. government provided significant funding for vaccine research and development through programs like Operation Warp Speed. This funding came from taxpayer dollars and aimed to expedite the development of safe and effective vaccines. At the same time, pharmaceutical companies also invested their own resources into research and development efforts. When considering the debate between a Medicare-for-all system advocated by some Democrats and the repeal of Obamacare supported by Republicans, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of each approach. While a Medicare-for-all system may provide universal coverage, it would require significant tax increases to fund such an expansive program. On the other hand, repealing Obamacare without a viable alternative could leave millions without access to affordable insurance. In my opinion, health care should be seen as a community responsibility. Access to quality health care is crucial for the well-being of individuals and society as a whole. By pooling resources through taxes or other means, we can ensure that everyone has access to necessary medical services. It is not fair to leave the burden solely on individuals who may face financial constraints or unexpected health issues. Providers should also play a role in addressing the issue of individuals unable to pay for health care. They should explore options such as sliding scale fees or payment plans to ensure that no one is denied necessary care due to financial constraints. Additionally, children should never be denied health care based on their parents' inability to afford it. The well-being of our future generation should be a top priority. While it is true that implementing universal health care may require higher taxes, I believe it is a worthwhile investment in the overall health and prosperity of our society. Access to affordable health care can lead to better outcomes, reduced financial burdens, and increased productivity. It is a matter of prioritizing the well-being of all individuals and recognizing that we are interconnected in our pursuit of a healthier nation. Overall, the U.S. health care system is a complex amalgamation of public and private entities, with room for improvement in terms of accessibility and affordability. By addressing these challenges, we can work towards creating a more equitable and inclusive health care system that serves the needs of all Americans.  

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