Slides Intro to Health Care Fall 2024 (1)

Introduction to American Health Care System

• Course Information: PHTH 1260, Deborah Milbauer, MPH, MSW, CPH, Northeastern University.

Class Schedule Overview

• Important Dates:

  • Tuesday, Sept 17:

    • Healthcare in the News – Group Presentations.

    • Chapter 2 Debrief on 'Intro' Slides.

  • Friday:

    • Quiz #2 on Chapter 3.

Readings and Assignments

• Readings Due:

  • "Health Care is a Basic Human Right - Almost Everywhere but Here - PNHP (Op Ed) (2011)"

  • KFF Tracker graphs – U.S. healthcare system comparison.

  • "4 Models of Care: Learning from Other Major Health Care Systems | Princeton Public Health Review (2017)"

• Discussion Board Questions:

  • Compelling data from KFF Tracker.

  • Explaining differences between U.S. and other countries.

  • Relationship between KFF data and opinion article.

Grading Components

• Participation and Attendance: 10%

• HCIN Presentation: 10%

• Discussion Boards (5 total): 10%

• Interview Activity: 10% (Due Feb 6)

• Podcast Activity: 10%

• PowerPoint Presentation: 15%

• Midterm Exam: 15% (Lockdown browser needed)

• Final Exam: 20%

• Extra Credit Opportunities available for participation or creative projects.

Cost Sharing in Health Care

• Key Terms:

  • Co-insurance: Patient pays a percentage (e.g., 20%) of medical bills.

  • Premium: Monthly cost of insurance.

  • Co-pay: Fixed fee per visit type (varies).

  • Deductible: Annual amount paid before insurance takes effect.

Determinants of Health

• Factors influencing health:

  • Social Determinants: Housing, schools, community support, jobs.

  • Economic Factors: Income, race/ethnicity, education, immigration status.

• Health Factors Breakdown:

  • Clinical Care: 10%

  • Health Behaviors: 30%

  • Social & Economic Factors: 40%

  • Physical Environment: 10%

  • Genetics & Biology: 10%.

The Public Health System

• Mission: To improve and protect community health.

• Functions:

  • Monitoring and diagnosis.

  • Education and policy development.

  • Ensuring access to care.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

• Fundamental Article:

  • Article 25 emphasizes adequate living standards for health, including medical care and social services.

Health Care as a Human Right

• Global Perspective:

  • Comparison of healthcare rights across countries.

  • Debate on whether access to health services is a human right.

Priorities in Health Care

• Reasons Healthcare is a Priority:

  • Universal importance of health for populations.

  • Economic implications of healthcare spending.

  • Political significance and ethical considerations regarding access.

Challenges in Health Care Reform

• Identified Problems:

  • High costs, variable quality, inconsistent access, and complexity of systems.

The Triple Aim of Health Care Reform

• Goals Include:

  • Improving individual patient experience.

  • Enhancing overall population health.

  • Reducing per capita costs.

Market Justice vs. Social Justice in Health

• Market Justice:

  • Views healthcare as an economic good, dependent on ability to pay.

• Social Justice:

  • Views healthcare as a right and obligation to society, ensuring equitable access.

Understanding Health Insurance

• Definition Clarifications:

  • Health insurance does not equate to health, as it can vary greatly in coverage and access.

• Historical Context:

  • Employer-based insurance evolved from economic necessities post-WWII, and has seen significant adaptations since.

Statistics and Trends in Health Care

• Current National Health Insurance Rates:

  • Approx. 9.6% uninsured in 2022, down from 16.3% in 2010.

  • Most coverage comes from employer-provided insurance.

Accessing Health Insurance

• Common Access Avenues:

  • Employer-based plans, state and federal plans, direct buying, and veterans’ services.

Barriers to Health Insurance

• Common Issues:

  • Cost, employment changes, and legal access complications.