HLTH - 556 DB 3 - Urgently Required. 10-12 Hours. Need A + Work

The government alternative I would support would be consumer driven competition.  In this program the government would be involved to help ensure there are enough providers competing (McLaughlin & McLaughlin, 2015).  In addition, the government would ensure mobility within the market and that both sides, buyers and sellers, would have maximum access to price and quality information.

One of the interventions seen in consumer driven competition would be to mandate individual coverage.  This type of plan is often described as an insurance policy with a high deductible and may or may not include a health savings account (HSA) (Hilsenrath, Eakin, & Fischer, 2015).  There are a few considerations for this type of program.  One is the fact that it is important that young people pay into the system for sustainability of the program.  A second consideration is that if people cannot pay the premiums, cost sharing may have to occur (McLaughlin & McLaughlin, 2015).  According to Hilsenrath, Eakin, and Fischer (2015), consumer driven plans are steadily growing and have been credited in slowing down national health care expenses.

The free market approach is more aligned to my values and a belief personally as it takes the government out of the equation.  In this type of program, patients have data showing cost and effectiveness of the program so that health care decisions can be made.  When transparency of data is available to the public, hospitals will be focused more on improving patient safety initiatives as their quality scores will be available for all to see (Williamsen, 2017).  One example of a free market alternative is Samaritan Ministries.  This program is based on biblical principles and members receive financial support for their healthcare needs.  They also receive emotional and spiritual support.  The goal of the organization is to share each other’s burdens.  The Bible says “bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ” Gal 6:2 (English Standard Version).

In addition to the financial, emotional, and spiritual support, since Samaritan Ministries is non-insurance through healthcare sharing, all members have exemption from the federal requirement that they must have insurance or pay a penalty (www.samaritanministries.org).  This type of free market alternative allows patients to shop for their medical care and better manage where their money is being spent.  Testa and Block (2013) state that “the most ethically and economically sound solution to our problems will come from the free market” (p. 111).  I agree with them.  Samaritan Ministries, being Christian based, would be an excellent free market alternative health care plan. 

 

References

Hilsenrath, P., Eakin, C., & Fischer, K. (2015). Price-Transparency and cost accounting: Challenges for health care organizations in the consumer-driven era. The Journal of Health care Organization, Provision, and Financing, 1-5. https://doi.org/10.1177/0046958015574981

McLaughlin, C. P., & McLaughlin, C. D. (2015). Health policy analysis (2nd ed.). [VitalSource Bookshelf]. Retrieved from

Testa, P., & Block, W. E. (2013). Applying the free market philosophy to healthcare. Humanomics, 29, 105-114. https://doi.org/10.1108/08288661311319175

Williamsen, K. (2017). Free market healthcare reform. Retrieved from https://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/health-care/item/25568-free-market-healthcare-reform