RESPONSE TO DISCUSSION
- 1. Response to JW
- In your opinion, what are the good AND bad aspects of the current U.S. health care system?
This is a very interesting question in my opinion, because the US health care system has its good and bad aspects. I do think they are working on bettering the healthcare system to be something that can be outstanding, but for now I think we have a thriving emergency medicine system, I also believe we have some of the best medical advances and to go with that some amazing providers, but we lack in our preventative care, especially in our rural areas. I also think that insurance company’s along with pharmaceutical companies are a hinder to the system buy charging the sick more for preexisting conditions while pharmaceutical companies provide things to treat (and at a high dollar) rather than working towards a cure.
- In your opinion, what would a perfect health care system look like? Are there any aspects of the health care systems in other countries that you feel our country needs to replicate? (Read Healthcare Systems Around the World in Module 2– it may give you some good ideas.)
I actually like the idea that UK insurance has with the wellness program, in which you get a discount by working towards a healthier lifestyle. This being said, just as the Heathcare systems from around the world module reading, I do not think there is and ever will be a perfect healthcare system, because there will always be some form of finding a common ground. There are aspects we could look at that could be better, such as insurance premiums. Possibly basing them off of household income rather than a set rate. There are always ways to improve, but I don’t think there is a true perfect healthcare system.
- RESPOSE TO MK
1. In your opinion, what are the good AND bad aspects of the current U.S. health care system? In my opinion the U.S. Health care system operates on the premise of freedom. This is effective in not allowing the government to make choices in our health care. They do not get the option t decide if we can receive care based on quality vs quantity of life. I believe everyone should be able to decide, based on information given, if proposed care is appropriate or wanted. We also have the ability, for the most part to choose our providers. There i usually not a wait time when we need a service or care. We have a wide option of services and payment systems to choose from. This does unfortunately come at the cost of higher medical costs, and a larger number of uninsured, which also drives up the cost of care and limits access to care for some individuals.
2. In your opinion, what would a perfect health care system look like? Are there any aspects of the health care systems in other countries that you feel our country needs to replicate? (Read Healthcare Systems Around the World in Module 2– it may give you some good ideas.) The perfect health care system would incorporate the freedoms with health care we enjoy in the US with reduced cost and increased access to care. It would mandate everyone carry insurance but would allow consumers to decide the type of care needed and the source where obtained. Consumers would be able to choose from government sponsored programs or private insurance through employers or marketplaces. In essence, the premise of ACA with a major overhaul. I do not feel replication of another country’s framework for insurance would work well in the US, as most have involvement by the government in determining when or if care is needed and results in wait periods for care. I think our system needs to be restructured, but with the basic framework left intact.
