The Future of the Kalamazoo County Health Status: An analysis of the Past, the Medical Care . Market, The History of Health Care, and Health Reform in the United States
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Authors
LoGrasso, Salvatore
Issue Date
2010
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
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Abstract
The focus of the research study was to examine the health care system, specifically how it
pertains to the health status of Kalamazoo County. Kalamazoo County has a high ranking in
quality of care, but the ranking drops off quite a bit in health outcome. Kalamazoo has also
experienced various health disparities. The disparities and poorer health outcomes are directly
correlated with the poverty levels seen in the county. The recession has led to cuts in benefits
from employers leading to a larger proportion ·of the population uninsured, resulting in a lower
health status.
To evaluate the medical care industry, the difference in the characteristics of a
competitive market model that lead to the structures found 'in the system that make it so unique
must be observed. The history of the health care system in the United States has been a turmoil
one, as there has been constant debate over the appropriateness of the system in place. Finally in
March 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the most significant health reform
legislation since Medicare and Medicaid, was passed. The bill does many positive things for the
United States health care system, including increasing coverage. The bill has also been criticized
as it's essentially the same system with only incremental revisions.
Despite these critiques, the health care reform bill does move the system in the right step
forward. W!! can begin to infer the potential upsides Kalamazoo County will see. The increased
coverage will help those living below the poverty level acquire much. needed insurance. Future
generations will benefit greatly from these changes. There may also be a turn in the economy as
a result of the reduction in the deficit. With all these factors, it can be concluded that Kalamazoo
County will benefit greatly from the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, and see a rise in
their future ranking in relation to health status.
Description
28 p.
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