November 22, 2019
Innovation and a patient-centered approach are more important than ever in solving the challenges that Arizona families face when accessing quality health care, writes Will Humble, University of Arizona’s Arizona Health Sciences Center.
“Consider the social barriers to care that impact many patients in Southern Arizona, including geographic location and socioeconomic status. People living in rural areas often face unique challenges when it comes to accessing basic health-care services, as do low-income families who may lack transportation, seniors, and others. These barriers to care increase the likelihood that illnesses go untreated and minor conditions worsen into chronic diseases — leading to poor health outcomes for the patient and increased costs for society.”
“Telemedicine and similar innovations are helping to close the gap between rural Arizonans and health-care professionals. Individual health insurers are even offering plans that provide transportation benefits and gas reimbursements to assist enrollees in need. Making health care accessible and affordable is a primary goal for today’s health plans. This is no more clearly demonstrated than by their work implementing innovative technologies and coverage options aimed at ensuring rural communities reach the care they need. Because even the best health care in the world doesn’t matter if patients can’t reach it.”
“Preventive care and a focus on long-term wellness not only lead to healthier patient outcomes, but they reduce costs as well. This is especially true in Southern Arizona, where many families live in rural communities and may face obstacles in accessing regular care.”
“The good news is people have more opportunities than ever to take charge of their own health and partner with their health-care providers in accessing the care they need regardless of where they live or other circumstances. Certainly, there is more progress to be made in expanding access to quality, affordable care. But significant strides are being made — and that means healthier families and a healthier Arizona.”
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(This Letter to the Editor originally appeared on the Tuscon.com website.)
Last year, Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, temporarily enhances and expands eligibility premium subsidies to lower monthly health insurance premiums for Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace coverage for 2021 and 2022. We asked voters across the country for their opinions on ACA premium subsidies and how Congress should proceed. See what they had to say.
Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) recently joined a roundtable hosted by Oscar Health and Better Care America to discuss social determinants of health impacting New Jersey residents, health equity, and the ACA marketplace.
Rep. Susan Wild (D-PA) recently joined a virtual roundtable conversation hosted by Better Care America and Independence Blue Cross (IBX) to share insights on efforts to address social determinants of health and strategies to better contain the spread of COVID-19 while ensuring access to quality health care coverage.