The problem stated in this policy is the issue of healthcare in the United States. The purpose of the following memo is to state the background of the issue, discuss alternative solutions for the issue, provide a financial analysis, and finally, provide evidence based on the recommendations for the chosen action.
The problem facing healthcare in the United States is that there are between thirty-five thousand to forty-five thousand people each year who die because they lack sufficient coverage to see a doctor for basic medical needs. Woolhandler & Himmelstein (2017), claims that 26 million people remain uninsured in the United States.
There are many solutions to this issue, some current presidential candidates back a Medicare for all single payer system while others favor a buy in or a public option for health insurance. The potential for the exploitation of a public option by private health insurance companies are very high. Because of the possibility of exploitation, the best option would be to pursue a Medicare for All Single Payer healthcare system.
Medicare for all is estimated to cost between 28 trillion and 32 trillion over the course of ten years is one estimate from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. According to the Physicians for a National Health Program (2016), by replacing all of the individual insurers and plans, and having a single streamlined claims process there would be more than 400 billion saved in administrative costs that could cover thirty million uninsured Americans.
Based on the evidence given, the best course of action would be to dispose of the current private system and replace it with a single payer system. The single payer system will cover everyone at a much lower cost then the system that is currently in place. This saves the taxpayer money as they will no longer have private premiums, deductions, copays or any surprise bills due to insurance companies denying claims.
Reference Page
Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. (February 27, 2019). How Much Will Medicare for All Cost? Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. Retrieved from https://www.crfb.org/blogs/how-much-will-medicare-all-cost
Physicians for a National Health Program. (January 22, 2016). Doctors Group Welcomes National Debate on ‘Medicare for All’. Targeted News Service. Retrieved from https://www. Csuglobal.idm.oclc.org/login?url=htpps://search.proquest.com/docview/1759131801?accountid=38569
Shepherd, Joanna. (2017). The prescription for rising drug prices: Competition or price controls? Health Matrix, 27, 315.
Woolhandler, S., & Himmelstein, D. U. (2017, April 18). Single-Payer Reform: The Only Way to Fulfill the President's Pledge of More Coverage, Better Benefits, and Lower Costs. Retrieved from https://annals.org/aim/fullarticle/2605414/single-payer-reform-only-way-fulfill-president-s-pledge-more
