Identify and describe three causes for the increasing costs of health care. What impact does each of these causes have on society?
Consider the impact of the following:
The Aging population in the US.
The ability to provide for Premature babies.
The effect of the expansion of third party payers (folks who pay the bill are not the ones shopping for medical services).
The effect of pressure on drug companies to develope new drugs
The effect of offering "free" medical care to the poor (Medicaid)
The effect of junk food diets. Here, I noticed that Mississippi and Alabama are the leading states for obesity (fried foods are king in the South).
The effect of treating cancer...years ago, few were treated,or the treatment was nominal. Chemotherapy was not well developed.
Since this is not my area of expertise, I searched Google under the key words "'health care costs' causes" to get these possible sources:
http://www.nchc.org/facts/cost.shtml
http://www.kaiseredu.org/topics_im.asp?imID=1&parentID=61&id=358
http://www.cato.org/pubs/pas/pa211es.html
http://scienceblogs.com/denialism/2009/05/what_is_the_cause_of_excess_co.php
There are other sources available. In the future, you can find the information you desire more quickly, if you use appropriate key words to do your own search. Also see http://hanlib.sou.edu/searchtools/.
I hope this helps. Thanks for asking.
Three causes for the increasing costs of health care are medical advancements and technology, aging population, and administrative expenses. Let me explain each cause and their impact on society:
1. Medical Advancements and Technology: One cause of increasing healthcare costs is the continual development of medical advancements and technology. While these advancements lead to improved healthcare outcomes and can save lives, they often come with high costs. New drugs, treatments, and medical devices require extensive research and development, which is reflected in their pricing. These high costs are eventually passed on to patients and insurers, contributing to the overall increases in healthcare costs.
Impact on society: The impact of medical advancements and technology on society can be positive as it leads to better treatments and increased life expectancy. However, the high costs associated with these advancements can create barriers to access for individuals who cannot afford expensive treatments. This can result in healthcare inequalities, where only those with financial means can afford the latest and most effective treatments.
2. Aging Population: Another cause of increasing healthcare costs is the aging population. As people grow older, the demand for healthcare services typically increases. Elderly individuals often require more frequent medical visits, long-term care, and specialized treatments for age-related conditions. Meeting the healthcare needs of an aging population puts significant pressure on healthcare systems and drives up costs.
Impact on society: The impact of an aging population on society can strain healthcare systems, leading to increased costs for both individuals and the government. Healthcare resources may be overburdened and stretched thin, potentially resulting in longer wait times for medical care. The increasing costs associated with an aging population can also lead to higher taxes or premiums to fund healthcare programs, possibly creating financial challenges for individuals and families.
3. Administrative Expenses: Administrative expenses in the healthcare sector contribute to the rising costs of healthcare. These expenses include costs related to billing, insurance claims processing, and administrative staff. The complexity of the healthcare industry, with multiple stakeholders and intricate billing systems, adds to the administrative workload and increases costs.
Impact on society: The impact of administrative expenses on society is primarily financial. The higher administrative costs ultimately translate into higher healthcare costs for patients and insurers. These additional expenses can strain individual budgets and limit access to healthcare for those with lower incomes. Moreover, the time and resources spent on administrative tasks detract from patient care and can lead to inefficiencies in the healthcare system.
Overall, addressing these causes of increasing healthcare costs is crucial to ensure equitable access to healthcare services and alleviate financial burdens on individuals and society as a whole.