NHS FPX 6008 Assessment 2 Needs Analysis for Change

Student Name

Capella University

NHS-FPX 6008 Economics and Decision Making in Health Care

Prof. Name

Date

Needs Analysis for Change

Healthcare is a fundamental human need, yet the rising cost of healthcare and inadequate insurance coverage in the United States have created a significant economic healthcare issue (Galvani et al., 2020). Inadequate health insurance coverage means that many individuals and families cannot access essential healthcare services, leading to poorer health outcomes and a strain on the healthcare system (Institute of Medicine, 2019). This needs analysis will explore the economic healthcare issue of inadequate health insurance coverage and its impact on the healthcare system and patients.

Summary of the Economic Issues of Inadequate Health Insurance

The economic issue of inadequate health insurance coverage is a significant challenge that limits access to essential healthcare services and negatively impacts individuals’ health and well-being (Keisler-Starkey & Bunch, 2021). This issue has far-reaching effects on work, organizations, colleagues, and communities, making it difficult for individuals to receive necessary healthcare services, leading to poorer health outcomes, increased healthcare costs, and decreased productivity.

Socioeconomic and Diversity Disparities

Significant socioeconomic and diversity disparities exist in how inadequate health insurance coverage impacts access to healthcare services. Low-income individuals and communities of color are disproportionately affected by this issue, facing greater barriers to accessing healthcare services and experiencing poorer health outcomes (Ndugga & Artiga, 2021).

Evidence-Based Sources

The evidence-based sources suggest that addressing inadequate health insurance coverage is crucial to improve access to healthcare services and promoting individual and community health and well-being. The following sources highlight the need to pursue potential change or implementation plans:

• A study published in the Journal of Health Economics found that expanding Medicaid coverage is associated with significant increases in healthcare utilization and access to care, particularly for low-income individuals and those with chronic health conditions (Carpenter & Sansone, 2021).
• Research published in Health Affairs suggests that implementing policies that increase access to affordable health insurance options can improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs (Young et al., 2021).
• A report from the Kaiser Family Foundation highlights the significant disparities in health insurance coverage across racial and ethnic groups and emphasizes the need to prioritize policies that address these disparities (Artiga et al., 2021).
• An article published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine argues that addressing the issue of inadequate health insurance coverage requires a comprehensive approach, including expanding access to healthcare coverage, promoting policies that prioritize community health, and addressing systemic barriers to healthcare access (Shrank et al., 2021).

Implementation Plans to Address Inadequate Health Insurance

The proposed change (better access to health insurance) or implementation plan to address inadequate health insurance coverage can lead to several predicted outcomes and opportunities for growth, particularly in terms of economic considerations. The predicted outcomes for the implementation plans will be better access to healthcare services and improved health outcomes in the community. Moreover, another expected outcome is a better experience for healthcare providers and the organization. The opportunities for growth and predicted outcomes may include:

• Improved health outcomes: Increased access to healthcare services can lead to improved health outcomes, which can, in turn, reduce the economic burden of preventable illnesses and chronic conditions.
• Increased productivity: Improved health outcomes can also lead to increased productivity in the workforce, as healthier individuals are more likely to be able to work and perform their duties effectively.
• Reduced healthcare costs: By improving access to healthcare services, individuals with inadequate health insurance coverage are less likely to rely on emergency department visits or other costly forms of care.
• Increased economic growth: Improved health outcomes, increased productivity, and reduced healthcare costs can increase economic growth and stability.

Conclusion

A systematic evaluation of the economic healthcare issue of inadequate health insurance coverage at the primary care clinic identified several potential solutions to improve access to care for uninsured patients. By implementing these solutions, the clinic can better serve its patient population and promote better health outcomes for the community.