HEALTH CARE

Health Care

Health Care

Assignment 1

Part (a)

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) lists six elements for comprehensive reform:

1. Cover the uninsured.

2. Improve the quality, value and equality of health care.

3. Bring down spending.

4. Prevent disease and promote healthier lifestyles.

5. Strengthen public health's capacity to protect our health.

6. Address the social determinants of health.

Simple, optimistic and evidence-driven. And, unlike so many proposals that go after the symptoms of cost and coverage, RWJF's blueprint recognizes that our health is connected to a broader, complex and interdependent system of forces that go beyond medical care.

In The Road to Reform, the biggest difference in RWJF's proposal is the inclusion of non-clinical social forces affecting health, which, Dr. Lavizzo-Mourey admits, call for heavy lifting over the long haul: Where we live and work, buy groceries, go to school, who we know, what we earn all shape our behavior and health. It will take a lifetime to make a difference, but it must be done in our lifetime.

In her January 27, 2009, testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, Dr. Lavizzo-Mourey urged Congress to address the social determinants of health in this year's reform plans. She draws on compelling evidence and powerful models for change across schools, neighborhoods, and the workplace — the places where health really happens.

The hardiest tests of our national character come when we are called upon to…confront truly 'tipping point' menaces to health, security and well-being,” she concludes in her annual report letter. “What has changed is that now we know what to do and how to do it. There is no responsible reason for not acting.

Part (b)

Below are 10 ways to cut health-care costs.

1. Maintain a healthy diet: For so many people, unhealthy diets, along with unhealthy habits, result in unnecessary illnesses and increase health costs.

2. Check ups and screenings: Have regularly scheduled physical examinations by your doctor, dentist, eye doctor and so on.

3. Choose the best health plan: If you have a plan through your employer, chances are that's your means of coverage.

4. Stay within the network: When you have a health care plan, look for doctors and health care providers that are within the insurance company's network (Sultz & Young, 2001). This can save you a lot of money.

5. Save money on prescription drugs: Prescription drug plans, online pharmacies, discount pharmacies, Medicare drug cards and even ordering by mail through traditional pharmacies can save you money on medications.

6. Use your flex spending account: If your company offers such an account, you can save money by enrolling. The money is deducted from your paycheck before taxes, so you get a tax benefit.

7. Review bills and charges: Review medical bills carefully. Billing errors can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. (Marks, 2003)

8. Exercise: Join a gym, buy home exercise equipment or run a mile or more daily. Staying in good physical shape will benefit you and your health care costs.

9. Think safety: Much of the increase in health care costs for families ...