Financing Health Care in the U.S.

Financing plays a significant role in the processand structure of the U.S. health care system. It is impacted by politics, health consumers, reimbursement systems, for-profit industries, and special interest groups. The result is that many different groups work to place their agenda for health care spending and reimbursement in the forefront. This places a burden upon society and contributes to a disjointed system.

How health care is financed shapes the types of services provided, who receives services, and how health care professionals are reimbursed for services. To prepare for this Discussion, reflect on your readings

With these thoughts in mind, selectand evaluate one of the financing options/programs that pay for health care in the U.S. Then, address the following:

1. What are the issues associated with that option?

2. How does health care financing impact nursing practice?

Support your ideas or those of others with references from the professional nursing literature.

References:

• Course Text:Health Care USA: Understanding Its Organization and Delivery
• Chapter 8, "Financing Health Care"
• Chapter 8 discusses the costs of health care. It identifies major factors that impact costs and different trends that influence spending.
• Chapter 5, "Ambulatory Care"
• Chapter 11, "Public Health and the Role of the Government in Health Care"
• Chapter 21, "The Uninsured and Underinsured--On the Cusp of Health Reform"