How to Improve Healthcare Access & Coverage

As medical costs rise, many individuals and families continue to worry about healthcare. If a breadwinner loses his or her job, insurance may no longer be available. While many do not qualify for state-funded programs, they are not able to afford health insurance premiums. And the recession in the late 2000s has forced many insurance companies to raise premiums while simultaneously eliminating benefits. There are many theories on how to improve healthcare access and coverage; while no one idea may solve the whole problem, they are worthy of being considered.

Instructions

• 1

  Lower the costs of seeking medical care. This can be accomplished in numerous ways. Reforming laws that allow people to sue frivolously for malpractice would prevent doctors from paying large insurance premiums and then passing those on to patients. Reducing the benefits received by those on publicly financed healthcare, or reducing the amount that is reimbursed, could also lower costs. Streamlining medical treatments so that care is not duplicated and double-charged is another way to loser costs.

• 2

  Allowing more people into the state-funded healthcare programs would allow people more access to low-cost insurance. Raising the income "bar" and allowing those with lower incomes that currently do not qualify to participate in the programs would bring in more revenue for the program itself and provide insurance to those who cannot afford it elsewhere.

• 3

  Increase funding to Medicare and Medicaid to provide more people with the opportunity to access the program. Even with the current income guidelines, many who qualify are not seeking out the program or may not be advised that they could have access to health coverage through these programs.

• 4

  Focus resources on education to prevent illness. This includes teaching exercise, nutrition and better habits that can reduce the need for medical intervention in the future.

• 5

  Reform insurance company policies so that those who are sick can no longer be disallowed or terminated from coverage once an illness is discovered. This also would apply to those who are denied coverage due to "preexisting" issues.