ASSIGNMENT

In the United States, a significant number of the current population is uninsured. Reducing that number is critical to maintaining a healthy population. The federal government plays a large role in healthcare and sets the standards, regulations, and policies. In most industries, market-based competition is the primary incentive for sellers to maximize the quality of their product or service and to limit the cost. This is true to a much more limited degree in healthcare.

In the discussion topic, consider the following:

What is the government’s role in healthcare? How does the government impact healthcare organizations?

How does health insurance impact healthcare delivery?

How can we reduce the number of uninsured people while maximizing quality and access and minimizing costs?

Support your answer with relevant resources.

In response to your peers, highlight in detail and discuss which aspects of healthcare are best regulated by the states and which by the federal government. Define the strengths and weaknesses of placing regulatory authority at each level of government. Finally, illustrate the arguments for and against private regulation of healthcare and health insurance.