Health care reform policy and implementation

Healthcare Debate

The United States Healthcare Debate

Healthcare is necessary for humanity's survival in the best conditions possible. Various countries across the world have different system, with most consisting of an institutionalized or socialist system. However, the United States stands almost unique in its privatized, corporate-oriented and often patient-neglecting healthcare system. Various leaders in our country's history have strived to change this, yet none have been as successful as President Obama, though reform still has a long way to go. However, the mere fact that leaders have fought so hard for healthcare reform proves just how important an issue it is, and how detrimental it will be for generations to come if individuals will have to pay excessive premiums. This paper will present two explanations, namely, the three recommendations of healthcare reform from various groups, as well as how the President has considered and how he will be considering them in the continuous efforts of instituting reform.

With regards to recommendations from various groups, it is necessary to first analyze that given by doctors. For example, in a study in which over two dozen physicians participated, rendered in the Annals of Internal Medicine in 2009, the recommendations were as follows:

-replace fee-for service payment systems with payment system that encourage innovation and efficient delivery,

-establish more research-oriented facilities that can also see patients in order to encourage better treatment, and -ensure quality care for all Americans, with no exceptions, by eliminating taxes such as, for example the tax exclusion of employer-based health insurance.[footnoteRef:1] [1: Points taken from: Arrow, K. et. al. (2009). Toward a 21st-Century Health Care System: Recommendations for Health Care Reform. Annals of Internal Medicine. Retrieved October 23, from .]

The points presented above make perfect, sense, especially since they are offered by those who know what is needed most in healthcare, as well as the fact that they focus on patients, rather than corporations. Furthermore, many other groups agree with them, especially in the medical and social fields. One such groups is the American College of Physicians, which not only reiterates the above-mentioned points, but also recommends further innovations, such as better payment policies and an expansion of physician in-home care.[footnoteRef:2] [2: ACP Issues Recommendations for Healthcare Reform (n.a.). (2009). MedScape News. Retrieved October 23, from .]