When it comes to different policies in the state of Ohio, there are many health-related issues that are ever present. These issues can be influenced by many variables like politics, social environmental, physical health, and other health related issues. By definition, a policy is a definite course of action adopted for the sake of expediency, facility, etc. Site Dictionary.com. The Health Policy Institute of Ohio (HPIO) is a nonprofit organization that partners with policymakers and other stakeholders engaged in the policymaking process to provide the independent and nonpartisan analysis needed to create evidence-informed state health policy (Site the HPIO which is in the about section). Throughout this paper, a look at healthcare data …show more content…
This can give these individuals the ability to carefully plan out finances with a lower probability of being confronted with an unexpected high bill. The reason being is because deductibles have been on the rise since 2008. According to the International Revenue Service, a plan is considered to be a high deductible if it is $1,300 or greater for an individual and $2,600 or greater for a family. In a Transunion healthcare care survey, which was conducted in 2015, approximately 80 percent of respondents said that upfront costs of certain healthcare providers are factors on whether they choose a particular healthcare, 79% said that they were more likely to pay their bills if they receive a cost estimate before care is administered (site HPIO 2016). With the ability to see care quality and prices, it could incentivize individuals to receive care if needed, as one major barrier that could keep individuals from receiving care is the unknown detailed price. There are some considerations when it comes to the price and quality data. One consideration is that reporting and collecting data places some financial burdens on some providers (Site HPIO 2012). This can be problematic for providers as it could provide reason to not be in favor of transparency. Another thing that could limit healthcare transparency is the that it mostly favors individuals with high deductibles or those with no insurance
Simultaneously, health and healthcare policy plays a tremendous role in the quality of life of every American. Likewise, by the government constantly interceding, health and healthcare is significantly influenced by the political climate and undertakings of administration; therefore creating a conflictual split between republicans and democrats. Health care is regarded as a product rather than a human right shaped by policymaking. Policies establish healthcare service stipulations, which are rooted in local, state, and federal statutes combined with landmark court decisions. Not only does policy focus on healthcare services; but, it also places a substantial emphasis on cost-efficiency and equality.
Recently, a Consumer Driven Health Plan (CDHP), was created. There are many variables to a CDHP, such as benefits covered and coinsurance amounts, however there is one thing that all CDHP’s have in common – a high deductible. By having a high deductible, such as $1,200, it forces the plan participant to think about the medical services they are seeking. Do they really have to go to the emergency room for that cough or can they go to urgent care, or better yet, their physician the next day. When the plan
The American Health Care system needs to be constantly improved to keep up with the demands of America’s health care system. In order for the American Health Care system to improve policies must be constantly reviewed. Congress still plays a powerful role in public policy making (Morone, Litman, & Robins, 2008). A health care policy is put in place to reach a desired health outcome, which may have a meaningful effect on people. People in position of authority advocates for a new policy for the group they have special interest in helping. The Health care system is formed by the health care policy making process (Abood, 2007). There are public, institutional, and business policies related to health care developed by hospitals, accrediting organizations, or managed care organizations (Abood, 2007). A policy is implemented to improve the health among people in the United States. Some policies
In order to first start a policy process, the problem for which a policy is to be created must be identified and the policy holding a solution to the problem. Researchers and stakeholders will investigate the problem to identify if the policy will reach the policy making agenda. Policies must be to improve society’s health and wellbeing. In the United States (U.S.) public health related issues that require a formulation of a new policy and come from local, state, or federal legislations which ruling govern the provision of health care services and regulations. In this
When Americans enroll in health insurance they opt for cheaper premiums, rather than premiums that would be suitable for them. The issue with enrollees choosing cheaper premium leads to higher deductibles. According to the Centers for Medicine and Medicaid Services, 68 percent of marketplace enrollees have chosen silver plans and 21 percent bronze plans. Enrollees who have silver plans could potentially see relatively small deductibles, but bronze enrollees may be subjected to higher deductibles that are too expensive to afford. Janet Varion, an
Health policies, health determinants and health are all categories that are intertwined with one another. As technology becomes more advanced within the health industry, society’s perception on healthcare may change for the better or for the worst. And with the new technology, new policies arise.
In Tennessee alone, we are once again facing an obstacle under the umbrella of healthcare coverage. In 2017, 3 regions in the state of Tennessee will lose coverage from BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee (BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, 2016). It will leave 100,000 individuals looking for coverage through other marketplace plan providers. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee stated that they had to pull out of Obamacare in these three regions due to profit losses over the last 3 years (BCBST, 2016). It may seem simple enough to others that these individuals just go get another plan from someone else. We must first consider affordability. Will Cigna and Humana offer plans that are similar to the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee plans? Will consumers have nearly the same or the same benefits as before? There are many different changes that may occur by simply changing insurance plans. The consumers may not be able to have the same providers. They may not have the same medication coverage as before. The deductible could change and make the policy invaluable to the individual based on their needs. Obtaining coverage has been an ongoing uphill battle for some. Our state and federal legislators all share different views on healthcare issues. The Healthcare Reform Act of 2010 brought
Healthcare policy is dynamic and ever changing, especially in our society today with the many changes in government control, insurance company influence, and actual delivery of healthcare services. In order to corral our healthcare system and ensure that there is quality control amongst all populations, health policies must be put in place. Health policy is defined as many things due to its dynamic nature but the assigned text expresses a definition that encompasses all aspects of what health policy is for us today, “Authoritative decisions made in the legislative, executive, or judicial branches of government that are intended to direct or influence that actions, behaviors, or decisions of others”(Longest, p. 5, (2010)). Among the many reasons why health policy is pertinent to our society an aspect of health policy that I feel is most important is in regards to public health practices. Health policy is the reason why populations that whom otherwise would not receive the absolute needed healthcare, actually get to receive healthcare. The financial aspect of healthcare is quite steep and more often than not healthcare services are not sought out by populations because they cannot afford to do so. With health policy the policymakers allow for the proper and equal disbursement of goods and services to ensure that everyone is remaining healthy no matter what
The Center for Mississippi Health Policy is an organization that has an impact on local and state health policy. It is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit organization that provides objective information to inform health policy decisions. The Center for Mississippi Health Policy is an affiliate member institute of the National Network of Public Health Institutes. The core functions of the organization include policy analysis, information dissemination, analysis of legislation and regulations, and sponsorship of health policy forums and other venues for dialogue. The focus of the Center is on the application of research to relevant health policy issues rather than the development of original research. The mission of the Center for Mississippi Health Policy is to serve as a catalyst for health policy debate, providing information to policymakers and the general public and communicating research findings that will stimulate dialogue and inform decision-making. The office is located in the state capitol, Jackson, MS.
In 2010, Healthy People 2020 was started by the Department of Human Health Services. Health programs and research topics were instituted to help Americans live healthier and longer lives (CDC, 2014). The 42 topics presented are all very important in maintaining the goals set by Healthy People 2020. If these programs were to be cut or budget restraints imposed on them, the impact would be felt by all Americans. There would be more unhealthy people, preventable chronic diseases would be more prevalent, and education and health associated programs would be
I am a resident of Pascoag, Rhode Island, as well as a nursing student. I had the opportunity to see firsthand how decisions made in the State House can affect the health of the populations of whom I will continue to serve as a Registered Nurse. I learned from the nurses and doctors who spoke at the State House that nurses are a direct line of communication for our patients, as well as our communities, and our voices are more powerful that we give ourselves credit for, which can be extremely effective and beneficial for promoting health policy. However, it is important to know what my town and state representatives’ views are on health issues that may be affecting the public, and see if they are the same, or similar to what I view as important.
In the United States, the health care system differs state by state. Each state has their own set of laws and regulations that fit their standard of morality. When it comes to health care, each state may differ in healthcare’s cost, access and quality. There are also many things that affect these regulation, such as the states sociodemographic and the populations overall health. In the state of Louisiana, there are great differences in their system compared to the overall country’s population.
High-deductible provisions cause for an increase in sensitivity towards hospital prices as it relates to outpatient procedures. Managed care organizations are interested in price if they will have to make a payment, thus causing them to be very sensitive. This is how contract negotiations can become effected and payers choosing to discontinue their use with the network. Once there is more transparency about hospitals due to the internet, this can cause a dominion effect leading to more confusion, thus making pricing data less meaningful. For example, comparing charges at an encounter and procedure level can be confusing if you don’t know what to look for. In the case presented in the article, the encounter is more meaningful due to
The broad and uneven spectrum of prices for health treatments and services across the United States has prevented our healthcare system from promoting options for patients that offer quality that is also cost–effective. In our current environment, uninformed patients are given no choice but to go with the option that their physician recommends, who can often be oblivious to how much the procedure will cost relative to the quality it will truly provide. From this arises a unique model for cost-sharing called reference pricing that tries to reduce overall spending and engage the consumer in looking for health-care providers who can provide valued care at a cost that is appropriate. In theory, a patient’s health insurance plan would set a reference
Columbus Regional Health (n.d.) serves 10 counties in Southeast Indiana. The demographics include a predominantly Caucasian population of approximately 300,000 people (Economic Opportunities through Education by 2015, n.d.). In southeastern Indiana, about 140,000 individuals have employment, and 15% of them, who are over the age of 24, have a bachelor’s degree (Economic Opportunities through Education by 2015, n.d.). Approximately 30% of the high-school students drop out in this mainly rural area with a flat population growth (Economic Opportunities through Education by 2015, n.d.).