Introduction
Just like any large-scale project and solution implementation, the plan for solving the problem of the uninsured can also face potential threats and pitfalls. Some of these can be uncontrollable and inevitable while others can be prevented and dealt with through good management practices, pre-planning, and by keeping a close eye on all such sources of threats (Battista).
Solutions for the uninsured: Barriers, obstacles, and pitfalls
One of the biggest potential barriers to the solution plan of this problem is the disapproval of congress. Right now, the Obama administration has proposed federal funding redirection and plans to talk with drug companies to increase discounts for institutions such as Medicaid. But these companies are influential enough to impact the thinking and decision-making of congress. Therefore it is important to work on a solution that satisfies all parties. Such legal and regulatory barriers can cause delays and in many cases potential failures of concerned solution plan modules.
Another basic yet serious potential pitfall is corruption during the process. This can be both financial and misuse of authority. In such large-scale reforms and regulatory changes involving the restructuring of the budget plans and allocation of resources, there are many chances of corruption in many forms. Some may be related to the proverbial “cooking the books” which is common and controversial even at the governmental level. When large funds are being dealt with, even the slightest loophole in the control system can cause misplacement of funds and major problems. (Healthcare coverage in America: Understanding the issues and proposed solutions).
Other barriers include resistance from the uninsured public, especially the minorities and immigrants who are quite resistant due to fear and the communication and cultural gap. These people prefer to be left alone and tend to stay behind the scenes as they have misconceptions about the US legal system and fear that they might be wrongly involved in other issues and conspiracies. Immigration laws and laws concerning minorities and immigrants might also hinder and contradict the measures taken to cater to the uninsured; therefore adjustments might be needed in several areas.
Financial constraints are also a hindrance as the economy is suffering. Fund allocation might be difficult and large firms might not be willing to forgo profits during these tough times (ACHE).
Human errors in large-scale financial processes are also possible. These involve control issues if done manually. The right way is to use computer systems and proper planning, auditing, and reviewing of all financial calculations and allocation documents.
Causes and prevention
There are a few common root causes that branch out to almost every threat, pitfall, issue, or barrier. One of the main causes is improper planning. The plan needs to be laid out in a way that every aspect of the solution implementation is not left untouched. The majority of the in-project issues and threats arise from bad planning. Then there are keys to good planning techniques. One of the most important aspects of this plan is to focus on communication. That can only be done if all parties and bodies are represented fairly and everyone’s voice is heard. This would not only ensure that the ideal solution is adopted but also highlight and bring up all potential issues from everyone’s point of view. When all these issues and potential threats are documented, they can be prevented beforehand and there will be a lesser chance of the project being jeopardized (Zieger).
Works Cited
- ACHE. “Top Issues Confronting Hospitals: 2008” The American College of Health Care Executives. Web.
- Battista, John R. “Solving The Problem Of The Uninsured.” 2004. Connecticut Coalition for Universal healthcare.
- Healthcare coverage in America: Understanding the issues and proposed solutions.” 2008. cover the uninsured.org.
- “ONE NATION, UNINSURED: Why the U.S. Has No National Health Insurance.” Kirkus Reviews 73.4 (2005): 218-218. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. [Library name], [City], [State abbreviation].
- Zieger, A. “Study: 60 percent of personal bankruptcies fueled by medical bills”. Fierce Healthcare.