Health Care Policy: Issues and Trends

Presents a systematic review of major issues and trends in health care policy. Health care policies are important to and affect all Americans. While managed care has been a major trend in the reorganization of the U.S. health care system in the past decade, its future is uncertain. This book offers a systematic review of major issues and trends in health care policy, including those related to physical health and disease trends, mental and behavioral health concerns, the reorganization of the U.S. health care system, and managed care and health care personnel. Special populations such as the elderly and children are also covered, as are reproductive health related needs. Issues of cost, quality, and access to care are covered. While the U.S. spends more on health care than most other countries do and offers the most technologically sophisticated health care in the world, it does not necessarily have the best health outcomes as determined by such measures as life expectancy and infant mortality rates. Mental health problems and behavioral health problems are major impediments to quality of life for some Americans. In addition, about 17 percent of the U.S. population under 65 does not have insurance coverage to help provide access to needed health care services. Despite calls for a major overhaul of the U.S. health care system, generally incremental reform rather than major, comprehensive reform is more likely within the U.S. context. Here, Kronenfeld addresses the problems, challenges, issues and trends in the policies that determine the role and future of health care in the United States.