Healthcare Politics and Economics Based on your experience please discuss TWO of the following questions (make sure you indicate which two you are addressing in your post),
Research may be required,
- In which areas are politics currently affecting healthcare in the United States
- How is basic economics and finances affecting healthcare services
- How is health affected by the environmental issues facing various global populations
- How can health outcomes may be improved in poor countries
Politics plays a significant role in shaping healthcare policies, funding, and access to services in the U.S. Some key areas where politics affects healthcare include:
- Healthcare Policy and Access – Laws like the Affordable Care Act (ACA) have expanded insurance coverage, but political debates continue over issues like Medicaid expansion, insurance mandates, and reproductive healthcare. States that have expanded Medicaid see lower rates of uninsured individuals, while those that have not often struggle with healthcare access disparities.
- Prescription Drug Prices – Government regulations, or the lack thereof, influence the cost of medications. The recent Inflation Reduction Act allows Medicare to negotiate some drug prices, but political opposition has slowed broader reforms.
- Public Health Funding – Political decisions impact funding for critical programs like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Institutes of Health (NIH), affecting research, disease prevention, and emergency responses like the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. How Basic Economics Affects Healthcare Services
Economics plays a crucial role in determining who can access healthcare and what services are available. Some key financial challenges include:
- Rising Healthcare Costs – The U.S. spends more on healthcare per person than any other country, but high costs mean many people struggle to afford insurance, medications, and doctor visits.
- Hospital Closures – In rural areas, hospitals are shutting down due to financial losses, leaving communities without emergency or specialty care.
- Medical Debt – Many Americans face crippling medical debt, with studies showing that medical expenses are a leading cause of bankruptcy. Even insured individuals often struggle with high deductibles and out-of-pocket costs.APA