Immigrant Health and the US Healthcare System: Access Challenges and Recommendations

Running head: IMMIGRANT HEALTH AND THE US HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
IMMIGRANT HEALTH AND THE US HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
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Author Note:

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IMMIGRANT HEALTH AND THE US HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
Abstract:
The US global health care system has imbibed within its operation the advanced
medical technology, health insurance policies and special care facilities to meet the changing
consumer demands. However, it should be mentioned that immigrant population base within
the U.S do not have adequate access to healthcare facilities. As a result, the quality of health
of the immigrants is significantly affected. Strategic planning and implementation of care
support services can help in acquiring positive health outcome for the immigrant population.
Introduction:
The healthcare industry is globally significant for the provision of care services to the
patients in order to ensure a better quality of life and longer life span. The healthcare industry
strictly encompasses of hospitals, care professionals, pharmacies, pathological laboratories,
medical health services and other components that collectively function to impart medical
health services to the consumers (Andersen et al., 2014). This assignment would discuss
about the health insurance industry, advances in medical technology, changes in U.S
demographics, Government support for health care and consumer expectations in terms of
cost, quality and access to health care services. This essay aims to investigate a speciality
area that is lagging behind in terms of positive care delivery. It would further present
recommendations which could be implemented within the speciality to improve public
access.

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IMMIGRANT HEALTH AND THE US HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
Discussion:
Response 1:
The health insurance industry has played a significant role in improving access to
health care services for the consumers. In this regard, it should be mentioned that the Patient
Protection and the Affordable Care Act has improved the accessibility, affordability and
quality of the health care services. The Affordable Care Act has now covered cancer
screenings, immunizations and all preventive services in order to stabilize medical cost and
improve coverage for care services. However, it should be noted that the premium costs and
deductibles have surcharged pertaining to the improvement in the quality of care that is
dispensed to the consumers.
The advancement in medical technology has facilitated the invention of better
equipment which has subsequently led to better care delivery. This has proven to be
beneficial for patients dealing with chronic illness and improved service access to tackle life-
threatening health issues. In addition to this, it should also be mentioned that improved
technology has facilitated earlier detection and diagnosis of health issues that has
subsequently helped in avoiding excess medical expenditure in relation to care services.
The US demographic trend suggests that the senior adults comprise of 8.1% of the
complete U.S population. Studies reveal that the percentage would be equivalent to 20.2% by
the end of the year 2050 (Murray et al., 2013). This would pressurize the health care system
and at present the team of care professionals lacks the expertise to meet the varied healthcare
demands of the ageing population. This directly affects the quality and access to the care
services.
According to Johnson et al. (2015), the Medicare scheme has revolutionised the US
health care systems and has made access to healthcare extremely affordable and at the same