2 page paper, APA format, include references
Few would argue against the notion that health care is a service most Americans need. After the rollout of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), one central question that came up for national debate was whether access to health care was a fundamental right or whether it was a privilege.
* Explain at least three of the most common reasons why all Americans don’t have access to health care in the United States even after the Affordable Care Act.
*Express your why you think access to health care is a right and not a privilege. Explain your reasoning and provide references as needed to support your opnion.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Access to healthcare is a fundamental need for individuals, and the debate on whether it is a right or a privilege has been a topic of discussion for many years. The implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) aimed to increase access to healthcare for Americans. However, even after its rollout, there are still challenges in ensuring universal access to healthcare. This paper will discuss three common reasons why all Americans don’t have access to healthcare in the United States, despite the ACA. Additionally, we will explain the reasons why access to healthcare should be considered a right rather than a privilege.
Reasons for Limited Access to Healthcare after the Affordable Care Act:
1. Affordability: While the ACA intended to make healthcare more affordable, there are still instances where individuals cannot afford insurance premiums, deductibles, and copayments. Despite subsidies and tax credits, some low-income individuals may find it challenging to cover these costs. Additionally, not all states expanded Medicaid, leaving many low-income individuals without access to affordable coverage. Affordability remains a significant barrier to healthcare access for a significant portion of the population.
2. Limited Provider Availability: Although the ACA aimed to increase the number of insured individuals, it did not address the shortage of healthcare providers in certain areas. Rural regions often face challenges in recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals. As a result, individuals living in these areas may have limited options for primary care, specialty services, and preventive care. Limited provider availability can hinder access to healthcare, especially in underserved communities.
3. Administrative Barriers: Despite insurance coverage, individuals still face bureaucratic hurdles and administrative complexities in accessing healthcare. Complex billing systems, prior authorization requirements, and discrepancies between insurance coverage and provider networks can create barriers to care. Navigating the healthcare system can be confusing and time-consuming, leading to individuals forgoing necessary medical services.
Access to Healthcare as a Right:
Access to healthcare should be considered a right rather than a privilege due to several reasons. Firstly, healthcare is essential for individuals to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. Denying someone access to healthcare can have severe consequences on their well-being and overall quality of life. Secondly, healthcare is a collective societal responsibility. A healthy population benefits society as a whole by reducing the burden of disease, improving workforce productivity, and fostering social stability. Lastly, numerous international conventions and declarations recognize the right to health. For example, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the World Health Organization’s Constitution affirm that everyone has the right to the highest attainable standard of health.
In conclusion, despite the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, access to healthcare remains limited for many Americans. Affordability, limited provider availability, and administrative barriers are some of the common reasons why universal access is not achieved. However, access to healthcare should be considered a right rather than a privilege. It is vital for individuals’ overall well-being, has societal benefits, and is supported by international declarations. To ensure healthcare is accessible to all, policymakers and healthcare systems must continue working towards addressing these barriers and striving for universal access to healthcare.
References:
1. United Nations. (1948). Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Retrieved from https://www.un.org/en/universal-declaration-human-rights/
2. World Health Organization. (1948). Constitution of the World Health Organization. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/about/who-we-are/constitution
