Introduction
Managing a chronic disease often requires constant access to resources that are highly localized and may even be tethered to a single provider. This notion implies that this process is highly demanding in terms of funds for both involved parties. Wagner (2019) states that there is “disturbing evidence of inadequate care among patients with common chronic illnesses,” which indicates a severe issue within the U.S. healthcare system (p. 659). Simultaneously, there are vulnerable parts of the U.S. population that lack the possibility and funding to ensure their stable access to medical assistance. There is a need for changes in the healthcare policies related to patients with critical illnesses, as current outcomes indicate deficiencies in the provision of proper care.
Current Situation
Chronic health conditions require management and support programs to become less of a burden. Since a high percentage of people afflicted by such illnesses have low socioeconomic status, it is challenging for them to find a way to access the available treatment options (Hardman et al., 2020). In addition to regular hospital visits, such patients often have to manage the disease themselves, which requires training and guidance from a professional. However, McAlister and Helton (2021) state that “the policies and regulations in the United States place the burden of financial payment on the citizen rather than the government” (p. 6). This fact puts vulnerable communities at high risk of developing chronic diseases and not treating them properly.
Insurance spending plays a crucial role in alleviating the impact of long-term diseases. However, competing agendas of healthcare providers create an environment that is hostile to people with chronic illnesses due to constraints placed upon their mobility, insurance, and access to the required assistance (Wagner, 2019). Economically, the part of the U.S. population that requires this type of coverage does not have the ability to achieve it. There is not enough market competition or professionals in the regions with a high volume of patients who need long-term assistance.
Reasoning and Evidence for Policy Proposal
It is essential to improve the aspects of the U.S. healthcare system outlined above through the expansion of Medicare and Medicaid coverage. One such approach that alleviates the problem of access to doctors for patients with chronic illnesses is telehealth. Increasing its coverage and making it accessible equally throughout the country can assist numerous individuals experiencing problems with self-management or being unable to find a specialist. However, in the United States, there is a perceivable inequity in access to such a mode of communication with professionals, as video visits require digital literacy and possession of required technological devices (Nouri et al., 2020). Therefore, funding interventions that will provide education and extensive financial support through increased insurance coverage is vital.
Operational strategies required to run this solution require the unification of the existing insurance policies in different states and aligning them with hospitals’ directions. Currently, patients with chronic illnesses are presented with severe limitations to their mobility across the country (McAlister & Helton, 2021). Private-owned businesses in this sector must become accessible to the affected population to ensure higher competition and shared guidelines that will present the best possible evidence-based solution to the issue. Medicaid and Medicare, both of which are commonly used by racial/ethnic minorities, must become all-inclusive payment options (Hardman et al., 2020). In turn, healthcare organizations need to take on the role of personal trainers for each individual affected by long-term health complications. The addition of telehealth in every doctor’s qualification course is required, as professionals must be able to explain to clients how to reach them via online tools. The increased access to telehealth will inevitably lead to more customers seeking advice, which is currently limited by out-of-pocket spending in facilities to which a person is not attached by their insurance provider (Nouri et al., 2020). The market will be improved in the long term, as people will seek assistance more often than they currently do.
The proposed expansion can fix the U.S. healthcare system by promoting equality and decreasing overall spending on one’s well-being per person. Since chronic diseases are the cause of 6 out of 7 deaths in the country, hospitals will remain busy with telehealth instead of more critical conditions that stem from untreated illnesses (McAlister & Helton, 2021). Moreover, a significant portion of disparities in medical care will be affected positively. People with low socioeconomic status tend to place the highest burden on healthcare facilities due to their untreated chronic illnesses and complications stemming from this fact (McAlister & Helton, 2021). Therefore, this solution is a feasible opportunity for policymakers to create a lasting impact on the U.S. population.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there is a definite need to reshape policies related to patients with chronic illnesses, as there are severe deficiencies in the financing and healthcare directions of current facilities. The current situation does not support people who are affected by long-term conditions the most. The focus on telehealth can improve patients’ self-management strategies and deepens the knowledge of their diseases. Moreover, it is possible to alleviate the issue through the unification of resources shared among healthcare providers. Changes in insurance coverage will require better explanations of possible options for the targeted population, which doctors must be able to deliver with clarity.
References
Hardman, R., Begg, S., & Spelten, E. (2020). What impact do chronic disease self-management support interventions have on health inequity gaps related to socioeconomic status: A systematic review. BMC Health Services Research, 20(1). Web.
McAlister, M., & Helton, J. D. (2021). A comparison of the United States and Austrian healthcare needs and systems. INQUIRY: The Journal of Health Care Organization, Provision, and Financing, 58, 1–10. Web.
Nouri, S., Khoong, E. C., Lyles, C. R., & Karliner, L. (2020). Addressing equity in telemedicine for chronic disease management during the Covid-19 pandemic. NEJM Catalyst. Web.
Wagner, E. H. (2019). Organizing care for patients with chronic illness revisited. The Milbank Quarterly, 97(3), 659–664. Web.