Health Care Financing Programs
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Health Care Financing Programs
Discussion 1
A health financing system is crucial for reaching universal health coverage. In the United States, health financing does not involve the raising of funds for health but also the allocation of those funds to the relevant authorities. The government has set programs that aid the facilitation of funds from both governmental and non-government sources. Developments made through these programs will determine whether health services exist and are available for everyone and whether people can afford to use the services. Accordingly, this study seeks to discuss Medicare, Medicaid, and Federally Qualified Health Center programs.
Medicaid is a health system in The United States of America that provides health coverage to Americans, including low-income adults, elderly adults, and those with disabilities. The system works according to federal requirements since it is jointly funded by states and the federal government (Piatak, 2017). Whereas, Medicare is a federal program that offers health coverage to people above the age of 65 or under 65 years but with disabilities. According to Medicaid and Medicare quizzes, Medicaid covers about 45% of people below 65 years, but with disabilities, also it helps nearly one out of five Medicare beneficiaries with their Medicare premiums. Every state has a flexible design to formulate their own Medicaid programs with broad federal measures.
For Americans to enjoy a superior health system as individuals and as a population, there must be health care services that are well-coordinated within a robust public health system. Positively, Medicare and Medicaid programs have promoted access to healthcare through the provision of health insurance services (Piatak, 2017). Health insurance coverage is predominantly associated with better health outcomes. A large proportion of the American population is uninsured about one in five working adults and one in seven children. The uninsured are the most visible sign of the nation’s failure to assure access to healthcare. However, even when the uninsured receive health care, they fairly do well than the insured.
Discussion 2
Federal Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are community-based, and patient-centered organizations that deliver comprehensive and high-quality primary health care services. These organizations receive funds from the Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA), which provides services regardless of clients’ ability to pay and charge for services on a sliding scale. The funding is crucial for the improvement of the health of the underserved as well as vulnerable individuals in society (What is a Health Center, n.d.). Some health centers utilize the funds for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. They are crucial healthcare providers, collaborators, and stakeholders for public health professionals.
California Health Care Foundation (CHCF) is located in Oakland, California. The foundation is dedicated to providing care to the residents of California, particularly those with low incomes and those who are in need. The foundation also aims at finding better ways to meet the health care needs of the people who remain uninsured in the state. The foundation is also focused on integrating care to Californians who experience mental illness, drug addiction, or other complicated conditions. Because California residents with low incomes experience a considerable burden and face the most significant barriers to care, the foundation’s priority is to make sure they get the care they need.
The foundation provides different services to the residents of California. Firstly, behavioral health conditions that are a burden in the public health system CHCF works to improve systems of care and to focus on integrating mental health, environmental health services, and substance use. Due to rising health care costs in California, the foundation works to shed light on the spending and affordability of consumers hence providing cost-friendly services. CHCF provides insurance coverage to Californians who are uninsured. Lastly, CHCF aims to improve the quality of maternity care and also reduce the cost of maternal care.
References
Piatak, J. S. (2017). Understanding the implementation of Medicaid and Medicare: social construction and historical context. Administration & Society, 49(8), 1165-1190.
What is the Health Center? (n.d.) Human Resources and Services Administration. https://bphc.hrsa.gov/about/what-is-a-health-center/index.html