Access to Insurance versus Access to Care Research Paper

Access to Insurance versus Access to Care - Research Paper Example Insurance and access to healthcare serve a basis of intensive debate that is tailored towards addressing pertinent issues in healthcare. Access to insurance and access to care are two different concepts. Health insurance is risk mitigation measure where an individual transfers health risks to another party, and makes premium payments to that party in return. In other words, insurance premiums guarantee healthcare coverage by the insurer. The ability to pay for insurance covers measures access to insurance. When premiums are high, then the number of people that can afford the insurance cover is low, and vice versa. The affordability of insurance measures the relative accessibility. On the other hand, access to care refers to the ease of receiving care by a patient when in need. Access to health encompasses primary care, healthcare specialists, and emergency treatment (Berenson & Rich, 2010). Access to care measures the ease or difficulties associated with getting services across the three variables. In this regard, holding an insurance cover does not necessarily guarantee access to care. For instance, Medicare program caters for the elderly and disables populations in the United States (Getzen, 2010). However, the program is divided into various parts, each of which outlines the extent of healthcare variables provided for by that part. Each part provides healthcare insurance, but limits care services accessed under that part. The federal health care reform legislation of 2010 seeks to promote universal coverage and regulate health insurance policies offered by insurance companies (The Joint Commission, 2012). The legislation also seeks to enhance the extent of health complications covered, as well as push for affordable insurance premiums. Low income earners remain uncovered by insurance, a scenario that has negatively affected the health sector in the United States. The ultimate interest of the legislation is to promote insurance