Monica Francisco
Provo College
Healthcare Policy & Regulation (HC320)
Instructor David Martini
April 06, 2015
Abstract
Good health insurance can be expensive, and is therefore often out of reach for lower and moderate income families, particularly if they are not offered health benefits through work. To make coverage obtainable for families that otherwise could not afford it and to encourage broad participation in health insurance, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) includes provisions to lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs for people with low and moderate incomes. The adequacy of this assistance will be key determinants of how many people ultimately gain coverage and whether or not lower-income people will be able to use the health insurance they obtain. In the United States, health care providers (such as doctors and hospitals) are paid by the following; Private Insurance, Government Insurance Programs, and/or People (personal, out-of-pocket funds). In addition, the government directly provides some health care in government hospitals and clinics staffed by government employees. Examples of government funded facilities are the Veteran's Health Administration and the Indian Health Service. Private insurance can be purchased from for-profit and non-profit insurance companies.
Affordable Care Act (ACA)
There are many health insurance companies in the United States, a given state tends to have a limited number and most private insurance is purchased by corporations as a benefit for employees. Costs are typically shared by employers and employees and the amount of money employers spend on an employee's health insurance is not considered taxable income for the employee. In effect, the government is subsidizing this insurance to some degree, because the government enables employees to spend less on health care, they may use health care services more, but some experts may think this arrangement increases health care costs.
People may also
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