“The greatest asset to any nation is the health of its people.” -William J. Mayo, M.D.
Health care is a basic need for everyone, but not everyone has easy access to the necessary services. Without proper access to affordable and available health care, many individuals and families suffer from a range of acute and chronic illnesses that can lead to serious health issues and even death.
It is well established and well known that still, not all people have the same access to health care. This gives rise to various disadvantages, such as unequal health outcomes, inequality in health care, and disparities in access to health care. Fortunately, many actions can be taken to increase access to health care and improve public health.
1. Increase Investment in Primary Care Providers
Primary care providers are the cornerstone of a high-quality healthcare system. They provide diagnostic services and treat a wide range of common illnesses and chronic conditions.
By investing in primary care providers, such as increasing salaries and subsidizing training opportunities, states can make them a more attractive option for health professionals and, in turn, make them more accessible to people in need of health care.
The appropriate use of mid-level providers plays an essential role in primary health care. Maintaining high-quality care is necessary when these providers develop care plans.
2. Increase Access to Telemedicine
Telemedicine is a rapidly growing technology that has stood the test of time when delivering quality health care conveniently and increasing access to health care for many. This includes improving digital health access.
Support timely investments into digital health solutions that provide online access to health records, telehealth appointments, and remote monitoring. Prioritize the use of telemedicine to improve access to health care and services for all communities in need, including rural communities.
3. Expand Medicaid Coverage
Take steps to ensure that low-income individuals eligible for Medicaid in needy communities can access it. The goal is to ensure that people in low-income households gain access to quality, affordable health care.
4. Strengthen Community Health Centers
Support Community Health Centers and other clinics with the resources needed to provide better care to those in the communities most in need. Empowering local communities can also encourage self-reliance and ownership of healthcare initiatives, leading to better health outcomes.
5. Promote Health Education
Develop health education campaigns and programs designed to help individuals better understand the importance and impact of health care. With appropriate healthcare education, people can take personal responsibility for their health and the health of family members and community members to benefit from the healthcare system fully.
Personal responsibility for health includes making choices that are beneficial for health and well-being, such as following an appropriate diet, leading an active lifestyle, and avoiding potentially harmful behaviors, such as drinking and smoking.
In addition, individuals must take responsibility for their own preventive care, such as receiving regular check-ups with their doctor, seeking treatment for illnesses and conditions at the earliest possible time, and adhering to prescribed treatment plans. Primary care providers should develop and review these plans and share them with family and community members.
Individuals can increase access to health care by taking advantage of available services and programs, such as enrolling in a health insurance plan, visiting a local community health center, enrolling in telemedicine services, and participating in health fairs. Additionally, individuals can use social media and other online platforms to stay informed about local and national health resources and take advantage of free screenings and other low-cost, high-benefit programs.
6. Increase Access to Affordable Drugs
Work to increase access to affordable and generic drugs to reduce care costs. The US government is the largest purchaser of drugs and should get a significant discount. This needs to be done and passed on to the people.
Increasing access to health care for citizens most at risk and least able to afford it is important for many reasons. These individuals are more vulnerable to health disparities due to underlying conditions, lack of resources, and inadequate access to timely and quality health care. Providing access to health care for those at risk and least able to afford it can lead to improved overall health outcomes, reduction of health disparities, and decreased overall healthcare costs in the long run.
Again, increasing access to health care for Americans is essential for a variety of reasons. Access to health care helps ensure that Americans have access to the medical care they need to maintain health, prevent illnesses, and receive timely treatment for any medical issues that may arise.
Moreover, access to health care can help to reduce healthcare costs by avoiding medical emergencies, providing early diagnosis and treatment, and reducing the need for expensive interventions. Additionally, access to health care can improve quality of life by allowing Americans to be more productive and active while positively affecting the national economy.
Increasing access to health care is good for everyone.
