Health Care Reform in the United States

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts related to health care reform in the United States as discussed in the lecture notes.

Health Care Reform

Efforts to improve and modify the healthcare system to enhance access, cost-effectiveness, and quality of care.

Medicare

A federal program established in 1965 that provides health coverage for senior citizens, funded through Federal employment tax (FICA Tax).

Medicaid

A program that allows the Federal Government to partially fund health care for the poor, managed by each state.

Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA)

A law passed in 1986 allowing individuals to continue their health benefits for a limited time after employment ends.

Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act

A 1986 law ensuring that individuals receive emergency medical treatment regardless of their ability to pay.

President Theodore Roosevelt

The first American president to propose a national health insurance program in 1912.

Socialized Medicine

A health care system where the government, rather than private insurers, pays for healthcare services.

Universal Coverage

A system in which all individuals have health insurance coverage, regardless of income or employment status.

Political Power

The ability of individuals or groups to influence or control the behavior of others in the context of governance.

Health Reform Failures

Historical instances where proposed health care laws were not enacted due to political opposition or other barriers.