Biometrics: Changing the Way Medical Information is Gathered
Culture / Healthcare / Other / Technology

Biometrics: Changing the Way Medical Information is Gathered

In one sense, Telehealth services and biometric devices are similar; both have the potential to improve access to a breadth of valuable health information. They are also different in a sense that the proliferation and use of biometric devices may have more profound long-term societal and policy implications when compared to telehealth services. Biometric devices … Continue reading

Is Telehealth The Future of Medicine?
Affordable Care Act / Aging / Healthcare / Home Health Services / Regulation / Technology

Is Telehealth The Future of Medicine?

According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, 20 percent of Americans live in an area with an insufficient number of primary care physicians and 30 percent live in an area with insufficient mental health providers. Additionally, the Association of American Medical Colleges predicts that by 2020 the nation will be facing a shortfall of … Continue reading

The Problem With Wellness Initiatives
Affordable Care Act / Constitution / Economy / Healthcare / Labor Force / Politics / Regulation

The Problem With Wellness Initiatives

In an attempt to decrease health care costs, wellness initiatives have become increasingly popular programs offered by corporations. Health and wellness is an extremely important issue and when it comes to health care reform there should to be a larger personal responsibility component. Unhealthy lifestyles, such as inactivity, poor nutrition, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol … Continue reading

Is Medicaid Expansion Something To Be Proud Of?
Affordable Care Act / America / Healthcare / Labor Force / Medicaid / Medicaid Expansion

Is Medicaid Expansion Something To Be Proud Of?

In the State of The Union, President Obama touted that 9 million Americans had received insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Of these 9 million Americans, 3 million enrolled in private insurance plans and 6 million enrolled in Medicaid. But these numbers and their forecasted impact on health care delivery are misleading. First of … Continue reading

Killing Two Birds With One Stone: Immigration and Social Insurance Programs
Economy / Healthcare / Immigration

Killing Two Birds With One Stone: Immigration and Social Insurance Programs

When addressing the nation last week, President Obama had only brief remarks regarding immigration reform, simply saying, “let’s get it done”. Perhaps this brevity is emblematic of how unlikely immigration reform has become. While off-putting to some members of Congress, comprehensive immigration reform remains one of the President’s major legislative goals. Though the President has … Continue reading

How Vermont’s Single Payer Proposal Can Backfire
Affordable Care Act / America / Healthcare / Social Insurance Programs

How Vermont’s Single Payer Proposal Can Backfire

American health care reform is a three-headed beast. Attempts at reform typically seek to resolve issues regarding access, quality care, and cost control. The ACA, one of the largest overhauls of American healthcare is aimed at improving access—but the problem becomes what good is increasing access to expensive and low quality care? Vermont’s leaders have … Continue reading