Federalism in the U.S Healthcare

Federalism is a national system of government that has both central authority and autonomous jurisdiction in constituencies or states (Holtz, 2008). Without central authority, there cannot be overarching nation state. In the U.S, the Medicare is a national insurance program that is administered by the U.S federal government. This program has been running since the year 1966 and currently uses about 30 insurance companies. Through the Medicare, citizens are guaranteed access to insurance especially those aged over 65 years and have worked and paid for the insurance in the system(Holtz, 2008). The state government, on the other hand, supplements the role of the federal government in providing healthcare. The state government, for instance, monitors quality healthcare evaluates health practices and technologies, supports the acquisition of knowledge for healthcare as well as develops the workforce of healthcare.

Federalism in the U.S is responsible for allocating responsibilities and power between the national and state government (Kronenfeld & Kronenfeld, 2004). Some of the responsibilities may be exclusive to the federal government and the state government and yet in many areas either or all may act. In America’s history, both the state and the federal governments have evolved drastically with philosophies changing to address the needs of Americans. Over the last century, the responsibilities of the state and the federal government have grown alongside the medical responsibilities of the state to improve the well-being of the U.S citizens.

The system from both forms of government is working. Federal funding for instance has jump-started innovation in services and healthcare products at critical junctures where private funding would otherwise prove inadequate. Health information technology has led to cost-cutting and the improvement of healthcare delivery in a number of ways (Shi & Singh, 2012). Policies by the federal government have also supported financing models and the innovation of health service delivery.

The system by the state government is working well in ensuring incentives are being used in a number of programs to support quality reporting and electronic medical records. Such incentives have reduced the time of marketing biologics, devices and drugs(Shi & Singh, 2012). Moreover, incentives for sustainable private investment in high quality and efficient delivery systems in product innovation and delivery models have been a result of the state government.

Improvement can be made among programs and applications beyond their original use. Comparative research can be made through a number of secondary uses such as the gathering of evidence for analysis and comparison of post-marketing activities and effects of drugs for manufacturers of pharmaceutical products. Moreover, the Affordable Care Act through the Accountable Care Organizations can offer opportunities for building on their initial value.

In conclusion, the federal government plays a crucial role in providing quality healthcare to citizens. Through incentives by the federal government, stake holders in both the public and private sectors can work together to ensure that quality and affordable healthcare isbeing delivered to American citizens.

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