The U.S. health care delivery system’s primary objective is to integrate people, institutions, and resources to meet various health care needs and preferences of the targeted group. Different factors may affect access to quality and timely care, especially among the poor (Butkus, Rapp, Cooney, & Engel, 2020). For instance, the high cost of health care and affordability may prevent individuals from seeking appropriate services. Notably, patients are less likely to access treatment in institutions charging higher for their services, further affecting their treatment and recovery plans. Thus, the high cost of care can reduce the quality of life and result in high death rates.
Another problem that may affect the U.S. health care delivery systems is disparity or discrimination based on educational level, race, income, and other demographic characteristics. Discriminative practices may prevent and discourage some vulnerable patients from seeking or continuing care services (Butkus et al., 2020). For example, institutional prejudice may discourage people with minority status from visiting health care facilities, further compromising their healthcare conditions. Besides, hospitals charging higher for their services may discriminate against patients from low-income households.
Healthcare reforms are some of the most significant and controversial issues for U.S. voters and politicians. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is a health care reform that can offer a solution to the identified problems facing the U.S. health care delivery systems (Oberlander, 2016). The reform’s primary objective was to make health insurance more affordable for more Americans and protect people with preexisting conditions. Proper implementation of the reform will also help stop discriminatory health insurance industry practices (Oberlander, 2016). In addition, it will help reduce discriminatory practices against minority communities and low-income households because of expanded and affordable healthcare access.
References
Butkus, R., Rapp, K., Cooney, T. G., & Engel, L. S. (2020). Envisioning a better U.S. health care system for all: Reducing barriers to care and addressing social determinants of health. Annals of Internal Medicine, 172(2), 50-59. Web.
Oberlander, J. (2016). Implementing the Affordable Care Act: The promise and limits of health care reform. Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law, 41(4), 803-826. Web.