The Importance of Safety Net Hospitals in Supporting the Health of those most in need
http://www.nesri.org/news/2015/09/nesri-and-allies-launch-healthcare-is-a-human-right-collaborative
To kick off this semester’s Chicago studio, we began by discussing the overall topic of the courses; is healthcare a right? This is a bold statement, that I personally agree with, but many people in our country struggle with the concept of the government providing healthcare for its citizens.
While the United States is one of the world leaders in Healthcare, our country views healthcare as a commodity and not a public good (similar to public education). Many argue that “healthcare is a privilege” and it is the responsibility of the individual to meet their own healthcare needs. This ideology could only work in a society where everyone was/ is given a fair chance and opportunity in life. What do you say to someone who’s barely making ends meet, and almost all of their money is invested in housing security? Do they not work hard enough? Is it their fault that they can’t afford their own health insurance?
Unequal access to healthcare forces many people to go with their conditions untreated (which could lead to other health problems, and the worsening of their conditions). It can also force people to make tough decisions like choosing to eat, or have a place to stay over their health. Safety net hospitals become a major resource for those living without health insurance; and for those who were denied coverage by insurance companies.
“Safety Net Hospitals” are defined by:
The Institute of Medicine defines the health care safety net as: “Those providers that organize and deliver a significant level of health care and other related services to uninsured, Medicaid, and other vulnerable populations” (IOM, America’s Health Care Safety Net: Intact but Endangered, 2000). The National Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems (NAPH) adds that “they are distinguished by their commitment to provide access to care for people with limited or no access to health care due to their financial circumstances, insurance status, or health condition” (NAPH, What is a Safety Net Hospital?).
“Under the law, the number of uninsured nonelderly Americans decreased from 44 million in 2013 (the year before the major coverage provisions went into effect) to less than 28 million as of the end of 2016.” (https://www.kff.org/uninsured/fact-sheet/key-facts-about-the-uninsured-population/)
The hope was that the Affordable Care Act would reduce the number of visits to the emergency room, because this is where people go when they don’t have health insurance. However, what they realized was that more people were becoming insured, but those living in low income communities lacked access to a primary care physician. Now there are many discussions happening on how to improve access to care for many people.
I found this interesting political cartoon about the views on the Affordable Care Act.
Rick McKee/Cagle Cartoons
http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/opinion/columns/4296175-local-view-lets-answer-first-health-care-right-or-privilege
Over the course of this semester we will continue to dive into this discussion.
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