How has the US government's continued expansion as a third-party payer influenced the cost of health services? Do you feel entitlement programs and reimbursement have exacerbated the financial crisis in the nation's healthcare delivery system? Why or why not? Will the measures contained in the PPACA mitigate the escalating healthcare costs? Respond by fully explaining whether it will or will not. Are there other contributing factors to achieving or not achieving this goal?
Explain which changes in the healthcare delivery system influenced the overuse of emergency department services. Investigate the Emergency Medical Treatment and Leave Act (EMTALA) as part of the Consolidated Omnibus Reconciliation Act (COBRA) and explain the health policy and factors precipitating the enactment of the legislation and the mandate of the law. Briefly explain the purpose of a hospital's uncompensated care pool, including how it is funded. How will the PPACA affect the notion of uncompensated care?