Question

Describe government involvement in health insurance.

Answer 1

I personally believe the government's involvement in health care regulation is necessary because the government's role is to protect the interest of all people and improve the quality of the health care system. Let's look at Medicare and Medicaid, set up by the government, being the largest source of funding in providing millions of people health insurance to those with low income, children, and the disabled. Since these programs were enacted, millions of people have been able to have health care and improve their quality of life. Not only has the government provided millions of people with health insurance, but the government's role in controlling the financial aspect of it works toward helping to protect the public. According to Lecture 1, the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act(EMTALA) prevents hospitals or physicians to refuse treatment for a condition that could be a medical emergency or even patients that are in labor. Even the Center for Medicare/Medicaid Services helps prevent payment fraud and abuse. I believe there should be more involvement by the government because these laws and regulations helps prevent any mishaps and works to improve the overall health system. Lecture 1 makes a good point about the importance of the government's involvement which states,"mandates to protect the public from fraud and abuse as well as access to care are prevalent considerations that affect the financial viability of operating health care services"