“The Cost Conundrum” by Atul Gawande

Answering Questions
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Answering Questions
Question 36 (A)
As a policy advisor of my state’s newly elected governor, I agree with her that the number of opioid-related hospitalizations of uninsured individuals experienced due to overdose should be reduced. Although only 10% of people in the state are uninsured, about 50% of this population are affected by opioid hospitalizations. In that light, I agree with the governor that if a pilot program is approved, many affected individuals in the state, particularly those without health insurance, will benefit from opioid treatment. The primary objective is reducing the number of opioid hospitalizations by ensuring that all individuals who need early intervention can get it.
In particular, the pilot program can decrease opioid-related hospitalization rate. The majority of uninsured people are unlikely to visit hospitals when they show symptoms of opioid abuse. Indeed, they might not have the money to pay when they visit hospitals, which is a significant hindrance to early intervention. However, if the pilot program focuses on these uninsured individuals and how they can receive opioid treatment, they would not hesitate visiting health centers for assistance. As a result, they will get proper medical services and be able to manage their health conditions.
Question 37 (A)
Specifically, many states have tried distinctive ways to reduce costs by expanding healthcare services access or reducing wasteful spending. One of the reforms undertaken is the pay or play for employers in Hawaii. The primary objective of this reform was to make employers offer health insurance for their employees who worked a half time or above. Employees were only required to pay a specific amount and the balance was paid by their bosses. The outcome of this reform was decreasing the rate of uninsured individuals without affecting businesses adversely.
Another reform undertaken by the states include that experimented in Massachusetts. Notably, its primary goal was to reduce the number of uni...