1. Introduction (25%) Provide a
brief synopsis of the meaning (not a description) of each Chapter and articles
you read, in your own words that will apply to the case study presented.
2. Your Critique (50%)
Case Study:
Mr. Job Bob owns a small business that sells
medical equipment. He has nine employees and has always made it a priority to
offer competitive benefits, including health insurance. Unfortunately, last
year one of his employees was diagnosed with Cancer, which he continues to
fight. Due to the sharp increase in use of health services by his employee
group, the insurance company doubled his group premiums for upcoming year. When
Mr. Jib Bob contacted others carriers, several of them would not consider
insuring his group, and most of the others gave him quotes as expensive as his
current carrier. After reviewing his company’s finances, Mr. Bob is left with
several unattractive options:
-
Stop Offering Health
-
Offer Comprehensive health insurance but pass
on the cost increase to his employees, which would make it unaffordable or most
of them. -
Offer the bare-bones catastrophic plan only,
-
Significantly lower wages and others benefits
to defray the rising health insurance costs.
In
addition to wanting to offer competitive benefits, Mr. Bob is concerned that
adopting any of these options will cause his employees to leave and make it
hard to attract others, threatening the sustainability of his company.
CASE STUDY CHALLENGE:
-
Mention, describe and discuss the best option for Mr. Bob’s Company
and Employees. -
Apply and comment if the 2010 Health Reform Law, The patient
Protection and Affordable Care Act will contribute to the solution or no of Mr.
Job Bob and employee’s insurance issue. Why?
3. Conclusion (15%)
Briefly summarize your thoughts &
conclusion to your critique of the case study and provide a possible outcome
for Health Insurance. How did these
articles and Chapters influence your opinions about Health Economics in a
Health Policy Context?
Evaluation
will be based on how clearly you respond to the above, in particular:
a) The
clarity with which you critique the case study;
b) The
depth, scope, and organization of your paper; and,
c) Your
conclusions, including a description of the impact of these Case study on any
Health Care Setting.
chapter_5.pdf
healthguide.pdf
Expert Solution Preview
1. Introduction:
Chapter 5 focuses on the economic aspects of healthcare while the healthguide article is a comprehensive guide on healthcare including topics such as preventative care, health insurance, and healthcare access. The case study presented highlights the challenges faced by small business owners in providing affordable healthcare benefits to their employees.
2. Your Critique:
Mr. Bob’s best option would be to offer comprehensive health insurance but pass on the cost increase to his employees while also exploring potential cost-saving measures. This option will allow him to continue offering competitive benefits while mitigating his financial burden. The 2010 Health Reform Law, The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, can contribute to the solution as it provides small business tax credits to encourage them to provide health insurance to their employees.
However, it is essential to note that healthcare is a complex issue influenced by various factors such as government policies, private insurance companies, and healthcare providers. The solution presented might not be feasible for all small businesses.
3. Conclusion:
Small business owners face significant challenges in providing affordable healthcare benefits to their employees due to the rising cost of healthcare. The case study highlights the need for healthcare policies that cater to the needs of small businesses. The articles and chapters have reinforced the idea that healthcare is not just a health issue but also an economic issue that requires comprehensive solutions. A possible outcome for health insurance would be increased government intervention to protect the interests of small businesses and their employees.
