Discussion – Concerns of Uninsured/Underinsured Populations

Discussion – Concerns of Uninsured/Underinsured Populations

Impact of Health Disparities, Limited Resources, and Access to Care on the Uninsured/Underinsured

The uninsured and underinsured population faces significant health disparities, which are attributed to socio-economic factors and impaired access to healthcare services. As noted by Stanhope and Lancaster (2015), these disparities are often exacerbated by a lack of financial resources, resulting in limited access to essential healthcare services. Thus, the uninsured have a probability of receiving an untimely diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of chronic diseases, which puts them in a disadvantaged position as far as their health is concerned.

SDOH is identified as a crucial health driver in Healthy People 2030, and objectives and targets are built around it. The uninsured and underinsured vulnerable populace often face problems like low income, poor housing, and education inhibitions. These populations commonly live in regions lacking healthcare facilities and a small number of medical specialists (Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, n.d.).

Further, the financial burden associated with healthcare is a significant obstacle for uninsured and underinsured individuals. They are more likely to forego necessary medical care due to cost concerns, which can result in the progression of untreated illnesses and increased use of emergency services for conditions that could have been managed through regular care. This impacts their health and strains the healthcare system (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2015).

Impact of Current Healthcare Trends on the Uninsured/Underinsured

Current healthcare trends, such as the transition to value-based care and technological advancements, have a substantial impact on the uninsured and underinsured populations. Stanhope and Lancaster (2015) underline that value-based care models focus on quality outcomes above a number of services, which can disadvantage those with limited access to preventative care and chronic illness management. These populations frequently receive fragmented care, resulting in poor health outcomes that value-based measures must accurately reflect.

Technological advancements, including telehealth, offer potential benefits but often fail to reach marginalized groups due to barriers such as lack of internet access and digital literacy. Healthy People 2030 highlights the importance of addressing these disparities through equitable access to technology and healthcare resources (Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, n.d.). Despite the potential for improved access, the uninsured and underinsured may need help utilizing these services effectively.

The uninsured and underinsured populations also impact healthcare delivery by increasing the burden on emergency services. Without access to regular, preventive care, these people have a higher propensity to visit emergency rooms for management of conditions that primary care may have addressed. This exacerbates their health issues, strains healthcare resources, and increases overall healthcare costs (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2015).

Furthermore, the financial instability of these populations influences healthcare delivery systems. Hospitals and clinics often need help providing uncompensated care, limiting their ability to invest in community health initiatives and other essential services (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2015).

Impact on Low-Income Families to Insurance and Resources

Low-income families, the focus of this course, are significantly impacted by their lack of adequate insurance and resources to pay for healthcare. According to Stanhope & Lancaster (2015), low-income individuals often fall into the coverage gap, earning too much to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to afford private insurance. This lack of coverage leads to delays in seeking care, resulting in the progression of untreated health conditions.

Healthy People 2030 identifies low-income status as a key social determinant of health, affecting access to and quality of healthcare. These families frequently experience barriers such as transportation issues, inability to take time off work, and limited availability of nearby healthcare providers. The financial burden of medical expenses can be overwhelming, often forcing them to choose between healthcare and other necessities like food and housing (Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, n.d.).

Without adequate insurance, low-income families are more likely to forgo preventive services and routine check-ups, leading to higher rates of emergency room visits and hospitalizations for conditions that could have been managed with timely care. This not only exacerbates their health issues but also places additional strain on healthcare resources (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2015).

The lack of financial resources also impacts their ability to afford necessary medications and follow-up care, compromising their health outcomes. Addressing these disparities requires targeted interventions and policy changes to expand insurance coverage and increase access to affordable healthcare services for low-income families, aligning with the goals of Healthy People 2030 to reduce health disparities and improve population health.

Health Concerns of Low-Income Families and Nursing Strategies

Low-income families face significant health concerns, including higher rates of chronic illnesses, mental health issues, and preventable conditions. These problems are exacerbated by barriers to accessing care, such as lack of insurance and insufficient financial resources, which lead to delayed treatments and poorer health outcomes. According to Stanhope and Lancaster (2015), these families often fall into the coverage gap, earning too much to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to afford private insurance. This gap results in inconsistent healthcare access and increased reliance on emergency services for preventable conditions, further straining an already burdened healthcare system.

To address these issues, nurses can collaborate with the healthcare system and the community. One effective strategy involves community outreach and education. Nurses can partner with local organizations to provide health education on preventive care and chronic disease management. By conducting workshops, health fairs, and mobile clinics, they can bring essential services directly to underserved areas (Burke, 2021). Another crucial strategy is care coordination and case management, where nurses connect low-income families with primary care providers, social services, and community resources. This ensures continuity of care and adherence to treatment plans, improving health outcomes (Burke, 2021).

Policy advocacy is also vital. Nurses can advocate for policy changes that expand Medicaid coverage and increase funding for community health programs, addressing systemic issues contributing to health disparities. Additionally, expanding telehealth services can enhance access to care for low-income families, allowing nurses to provide virtual consultations and follow-up care and reducing the need for transportation (Burke, 2021). Employing community health workers (CHWs) from within the community can bridge the gap between healthcare providers and low-income families. These CHWs can offer culturally competent care and support in navigating the healthcare system, improving trust and health outcomes.

References

Burke, R. (2021). Nurses Can Make A Difference on the Impact the Uninsured/Underinsured Have on Health Care. Student Research Poster Presentations 2021. 50.https://digitalcommons.misericordia.edu/research_posters2021/50

Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (n.d.). Healthy People 2030: Objectives and data. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data

Stanhope, M., & Lancaster, J. (2015). Public health nursing: Population-centered health care in the community. Elsevier Health Sciences.

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Review the appropriate rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade.
In your textbook, Stanhope & Lancaster read Chapter 5, “Economics for Healthcare Delivery.”
Visit the Healthy People 2030(new tab) website.
Click on the links to learn more about leading health indicators and to read about the social determinants of health.
Examine the above components from the perspective of uninsured/underinsured populations.
Prepare to discuss the following prompts:

Describe how the uninsured/underinsured are impacted by health disparities, limited resources, and access to care.
Discuss how current trends in healthcare affect the uninsured/underinsured population, and how this population impacts the delivery of healthcare.
Identify how the population group that you are focusing on for this course is impacted in relation to insurance/resources to pay for healthcare.
Summarize your impression of the health concerns of population and brainstorm nursing strategies to meet these needs through collaborative efforts between the healthcare system and the community.
A minimum of two sources should be cited and referenced in your response.

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