Health Care Rationing Research Paper
When I first think of the word rationing, I think about the rationing of food during World War II to make sure each solider had enough food. Nevertheless, rationing is involved in health care. Health care rationing can come in many different forms and used by health insurers, the government, and individuals to save money. "Rationing health care in any form implies reduced access to care and potential decreases in the acceptable quality of services offered" (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2104, p. 133). The public health system and nurses can help guarantee care when care may not be available to someone. Two forms of health care rationing is the Affordable Care Act and doctors choosing not to accept Medicaid or Medicare clients. Furthermore, health
care can be self rationed. The Affordable Care Act was intended to give people more flexibility and stability regarding health care choices. Even though this act provides coverage to more people, it "will not do away with rationing because the new law provides for a four-tiered plan by creating state-based American Health Benefit Exchanges" (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2014, p. 133). Physicians choosing to not accept Medicare or Medicaid patients is considered a form of rationing healthcare. Some reasons health care providers may not accept these patients are due to loss of money, delay in payment of services rendered, and administrative hassles. For example, the physician receives payment around 26 days if the patient has private insurance. In contrast, it approximately takes 44 for payout to the doctor when someone has Medicaid insurance. Physicians that refuse to accept Medicare or Medicaid affects the patient's access to care. It really seems like a no win for both sides. Sometimes we can ration ourselves when it involves situations dealing with our own health. For instance, if someone's develops a rash he or she may go to the doctor or try an over counter medication. If the person decides to go to the doctor, the person will have to pay the doctor visit which may be a co-pay or cash from his or her pocket. Plus, pay for the prescription given by the doctor. The individual may decide to try the lesser expensive option first which would be getting an over the counter cream. It would not only save the person money, but it would also save the time for not having to wait at the doctor's office.
care can be self rationed. The Affordable Care Act was intended to give people more flexibility and stability regarding health care choices. Even though this act provides coverage to more people, it "will not do away with rationing because the new law provides for a four-tiered plan by creating state-based American Health Benefit Exchanges" (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2014, p. 133). Physicians choosing to not accept Medicare or Medicaid patients is considered a form of rationing healthcare. Some reasons health care providers may not accept these patients are due to loss of money, delay in payment of services rendered, and administrative hassles. For example, the physician receives payment around 26 days if the patient has private insurance. In contrast, it approximately takes 44 for payout to the doctor when someone has Medicaid insurance. Physicians that refuse to accept Medicare or Medicaid affects the patient's access to care. It really seems like a no win for both sides. Sometimes we can ration ourselves when it involves situations dealing with our own health. For instance, if someone's develops a rash he or she may go to the doctor or try an over counter medication. If the person decides to go to the doctor, the person will have to pay the doctor visit which may be a co-pay or cash from his or her pocket. Plus, pay for the prescription given by the doctor. The individual may decide to try the lesser expensive option first which would be getting an over the counter cream. It would not only save the person money, but it would also save the time for not having to wait at the doctor's office.