U.S. Health Care Cost: Who’s Responsibility is it?
MHA-620 Health Policy Analysis
Ashford University
Dr. Hatfield
April 27, 2015
Abstract
While there is little doubt that the U.S. health care system is believed to be one of the most sophisticated health care systems in the nation, it is believed that the associated cost to provide is unsustainable. As the United States (U.S.) moves towards a universal health care system, the transition has not been as seamless as anticipated. Unforeseen delays in access and affordability have slowed the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. However, the implementation of the ACA, combined with the government’s regulatory oversight holds the promise of a system which would allow all consumers to have access to some form of affordable health care.
U.S. Health Care Cost: Who’s Responsibility is it?
Introduction
Health care costs in the U.S. have continued to rise despite efforts to implement a more organized, controlled and affordable system. It is difficult to pinpoint one single variable that drives up U. S. health care costs. Although far from perfect, the ACA aims to reorganize health care, provide coverage extensions and make heath care more affordable to more consumers. The ACA also forces one to question the role the government should play in health care and the impact it will have on the lives of private citizens. It is believed that consumer’s constitutional rights should not be ignored. While government regulations are believed to create balance and ensure the enforcement of standards, they can sometimes difficult to navigate and can be very confusing to those that they are designed to protect. According to Esteban & Dickinson (2013),one of the unique things about the U.S. health care system is the lack of obligatory insurance.
What are the major drivers of the rise in health care spending?
It is believed that the rise in health...