Article Review Example on Healthcare Access: Exploring Income Disparity, Barriers, and Coordination

The opposing views presented in the Health Care Access article critically explore the significant areas that serve as the biggest and most problematic issues in access to healthcare by Americans. Through the article, one gets to understand vital areas that require changes in America’s healthcare systems. These areas include the roles of income disparity in healthcare affordability, the barriers to access to healthcare, particularly transportation issues, and the coordinated healthcare in the United States. Additionally, the author explores the roles that technological advancement plays in healthcare service provision in America. However, the article fails to address mental health and healthcare access regarding mental illnesses, which is a significantly more significant health issue. Above all, I agree with the author’s opposing viewpoint on healthcare access due to the exploration of essential aspects of the health of Americans.

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Income disparity, affordability in accessing healthcare, and demographic factors are amongst the most significant concerns and factors affecting Americans. The article takes a holistic approach when examining these issues and how they affect access to healthcare. The author critically examines health inequality arising from income differences, race, and geographical location. The article categorically outlines research and studies conducted on healthcare access over the years. For instance, the author describes the findings of the Commonwealth Funds' conclusions in 2019, which established that subscription to medical insurance plans varied based on income levels and race with low-income-earning Hispanic communities constituting significantly lower percentages. I agree with the article on the point of disparity in income levels that manifests in healthcare access. Moreover, the article’s argument on Migratory and Seasonal Agriculture Workers (MWAWs), most of whom lack insurance coverage, operates in hazardous environments (Gale Opposing Viewpoints). Statistical research has proven that there are many legal and illegal immigrants entering the United States seeking employment that fails to get medical covers for various reasons.

The Obamacare program is an essential initiative of healthcare in America. Discussions on the state of healthcare access are never complete without examining the roles that the implementation of ACA played in medical care. The article strategically provides an analysis of Obamacare in addressing the challenges of healthcare access. The author particularly focuses on the changes that have occurred in medical insurance between 2013 and 2015 following the changes made on the Obamacare program (Gale Opposing Viewpoints). I particularly agree with the article’s statistical data on the decline of uninsured states of blacks and Hispanic communities between 19 and 64 years. The author uses information data obtained from Commonwealth Funds and the Kaiser Family Foundation that offer credible research data on the realm of healthcare in America. More importantly, the data used in the article reflect those presented in these organizations' databases.

Transportation barriers play a significant role in access to healthcare services. These barriers manifest through the location of healthcare facilities far away from residents, the lack of proper infrastructural development to facilitate the movements of patients, and the poor distribution of health facilities and service providers, particularly in rural areas. I agree with the article’s analysis that transport barriers present a challenge to healthcare access as patients in disadvantaged and underserved communities will miss appointments with physicians, and the management of chronic illnesses will be problematic. Delayed appointments mean untimely or late attendance to the patient. However, the article fails to address the severe effects of transportation barriers, especially for pregnant women who require emergency treatment. The author describes the severe effects of transportation barriers using the statistical data of the Transportation Research Board. The article gives a worrying figure of 3.6 million American citizens who fail to access essential healthcare services due to poor transportation. Therefore, the author outlines, with evidence, the challenges of transportation in accessing healthcare.

The disparity in accessing healthcare services is evident when comparing the urban dweller’s access and that or the rural communities. People living in rural setups are typically low-income earners. It is worth noting that these people also suffer from other severe conditions such as chronic illnesses and mental disorders. Additionally, a comparison of the health and transportation of the urban centers and the rural areas indicates that the latter are poor and affect people’s access to healthcare. The article examines the aspect of rural health through the lens of healthcare professionals, facilities, and access infrastructures such as transport and communication. I agree with the article’s points on poor services provision in remote areas. The doctors and hospitals available in these remote locations do not match the needs of the people. The demand for these services is increasingly growing while some facilities close down with time. Therefore, there is a mismatch between the service providers and the patients who need medical attention.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, Gale Opposing Viewpoints article explores the various challenging environments in accessing healthcare services in America. The article examines issues such as income disparity, demographic factors, and affordability of healthcare services. Additionally, it outlines the roles played by Obamacare programs in bridging the gap between service providers and those who need healthcare services. Transportation barriers still remain a significant hindrance to access affordable care in a timely fashion. The rural healthcare systems suffer several challenging environments, including the imbalance in healthcare facilities, doctors and nurses, and the people who require the services. I agree with the opposing views articulated in the article.

Works Cited

Gale Opposing Viewpoints. “Health Care Access.” Gale Opposing Viewpoints Online Collection, Gale, 2020. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints, https://linkgale.com.gary.libproxy.ivytech.edu/apps/doc/PC3010999106/OVIC?u=ivytech1&sid=OVIC&xid=dbecacca. Accessed 26 July 2020.