Introduction

According to Niles (2018), despite being one of the wealthiest countries globally, millions of individuals in the United States (U.S.) lack health care coverage. While several other countries have implemented Universal Health Care Coverage (UHC), providing numerous benefits to citizens, such systems also come with limitations. This paper aims to compare the current U.S. health care system with those of other Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries, discussing their structures, approaches, and concepts. Additionally, recommendations will be made for reforming the U.S. health care system, and the impacts of proposed changes on health care managers and required skills will be explored.

Comparison of Current U.S. vs. Other OECD Country Health Care Systems

The U.S. health care system comprises public and private payors, including Medicare, Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Veterans Affairs, Tricare, employer-sponsored insurance, private health insurance, and the uninsured population (WHO, n.d.). In 2010, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was enacted to expand health care coverage, facing challenges such as difficulties in accessing web-based exchanges and optional Medicaid expansion by states (WHO, n.d.). President Trump’s administration has sought to dismantle the ACA, exacerbating the existing challenges (Sanger-Katz, 2017).

In contrast, China offers universal health care coverage financed by the central government, with three types of public funding and private insurance plans covering gaps in government-funded insurance (International Health Care System Profiles, n.d.). France’s Statutory Health Insurance System (SHI) provides universal coverage funded primarily through taxes, with additional private insurance for uncovered services (International Health Care System Profiles, n.d.). France also offers free vision and dental care for eligible citizens (International Health Care System Profiles, n.d.).

Similarities and Differences in Structures, Approaches, and Concepts of the Systems

While all three countries provide varying degrees of insurance coverage, France appears to offer the most comprehensive coverage, primarily funded through taxes. China is exploring increased private insurance coverage, covering a significant portion of its citizens (International Health Care System Profiles, n.d.). In contrast, the U.S. still struggles with a considerable uninsured and underinsured population (Collins, Bhupal, & Doty, 2019).

Services covered by the health care systems of the U.S., China, and France include hospitalization, emergency care, outpatient care, specialists, preventative and diagnostic procedures, drug prescription costs, and mental health care, with out-of-pocket costs for vision and dental services (International Health Care System Profiles, n.d.). However, France generally has lower costs for these services compared to the U.S. and China.

Recommended Changes to Reform the U.S. Health Care System

Reforming the U.S. health care system is essential, drawing lessons from France’s universal coverage model. To improve cancer care, the U.S. can adopt France’s comprehensive coverage for cancer patients and enforce quality standards for health care providers (Shapiro, 2008). Negotiating lower drug costs and regulating pharmaceutical pricing are also crucial steps.

Impacts of Proposed Changes on Health Care Manager and Skills Required to Manage Changes

Health care managers must effectively communicate the mission and vision of their organizations during periods of change, ensuring staff understanding and buy-in. Understanding health care laws and regulations, as well as accreditation standards, is vital for implementing reforms successfully. Skills such as effective communication, knowledge of regulations, and leadership are crucial for managing change in health care organizations.

Conclusion

Access to health care is a fundamental responsibility of any nation. While the U.S. boasts advanced technology and treatments, issues of affordability persist. France and China offer valuable lessons in providing universal health care coverage. Reforming the U.S. health care system, particularly in cancer care, can significantly impact patient outcomes. Effective leadership and management skills are essential for navigating the complexities of health care reform.

References

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Collins, S. R., Bhupal, H. K., & Doty, M. M. (07, February 2019). Health Insurance Coverage Eight Years After the ACA | Commonwealth Fund. Retrieved March 3, 2019, from https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/issue-briefs/2019/feb/health-insurancecoverage-eight-years-after-aca

Healthcare.gov. (n.d.). Affordable Care Act (ACA) – HealthCare.gov Glossary. Retrieved March 3, 2019, from https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/affordable-care-act/ International Health Care System Profiles. (n.d.). International Health Care System Profiles. Retrieved from https://international.commonwealthfund.org/countries/china/ International Health Care System Profiles. (n.d.).

International Health Care System Profiles. Retrieved from https://international.commonwealthfund.org/countries/france/ International Health Care System Profiles. (n.d.).

International Health Care System Profiles. Retrieved March 3, 2019, from https://international.commonwealthfund.org/countries/united_states/

BUS FPX 3026 Assessment 5 Analyzing and Recommending Health Care System Reform Options

Niles, N. J. (2018). Basics of the U.S. health care system (3rd ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning. ISBN: 9781284102888 Sanger-Katz, M. (2017, January 21). What Does Trump’s Executive Order Against Obamacare Actually Do? Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/21/upshot/what-doesthe-order-against-the-health-law-actually-do.html

Shapiro, J. (2008, July 09). France At Forefront Of Free, Innovative Cancer Care. Retrieved from https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=92362918

World Health Organization. (WHO) (n.d.). Global Health Observatory (GHO) data. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/gho/en/

BUS FPX 3026 Assessment 5 Analyzing and Recommending Health Care System Reform Options