Question: Background info for the assignment:
Studies indicate that variations in spending on health care are related to per capita national income levels, not entirely the health care needs of individuals. This finding is true across nations depending upon average level of income, or within nations, depending upon level of economic activity. Health care spending is lower in recessionary times and higher in times of robust business activity.
In other words, wealthy nations typically will spend fewer dollars, not only in total, but as a percentage of income in times of economic downturns or recessions, and larger sums in times of higher output and incomes. Research has also shown that health outcomes are not necessarily linked to the quantity of health care purchased.
However, the United States is a huge outlier in terms of cost relative to population health. Global health care travel is a private option that the wealthy in many countries use. Looking at the public and private options in different nations, discuss how reforms proposed for the United States may impact consumer and government spending on health care, availability of health care and perceived value of health care.
In your replies discuss how the policy change would impact individuals of different income levels.
Assignment Questions (Policy change cost transparency):
Cost Transparency: One suggested reform is price transparency. There have been some limited attempts to publish average costs of surgeries or care at hospitals but the public has not utilized these.
• Why does this not exist for most care?
• Where does it exist?
• How do you see this becoming part of the medical system in the United States and other countries?
• Why should it be or not be a goal?