Lessons Learned to Sustainably Improve Health Care for All Americans
March 13, 2021, marks one year since the White House declared a national emergency for COVID-19. There has been a strong and continual focus on the timely, decisive actions taken by both the public sector and the free market to help support Americans through the crisis. Repeatedly, leaders have come together to break down barriers to COVID-19 testing, treatment and vaccines; swiftly free space in health care settings for COVID and non COVID patients; help safety net hospitals keep their doors open; help communities with food, housing and transportation services; and support local businesses and their employees during the economic downturn.
As vaccine supplies increase and become more available, Americans should also consider what we can take away from the COVID-19 crisis for sustainable improvements that will result in better care at lower costs for everyone. Here are 5 ways in which health care in America will be made stronger in the years to come:
A renewed commitment to improve health equity. COVID-19 has spotlighted the persistent discrimination and systemic racism that have blocked health equity. Health insurance providers are working to improve health equity by addressing health care disparities; addressing social determinants of health; and promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in health care organizations and workplaces. The recently announced Vaccine Community Connectors pilot initiative, for example, aims to enable the vaccination of 2 million seniors age 65+ in America鈥檚 most at-risk, vulnerable, and underserved communities 鈥� such as African American and Hispanic communities.
Strengthening the role of telehealth. Telehealth has long been a tool with limitless potential, but it has taken COVID19 to demonstrate how effective and efficient it can really be. Health insurance providers are committed to working with policymakers to strengthen and improve the delivery of telehealth, including by allowing telehealth to be used to address a patient鈥檚 social needs and adopting the technology for provider-to-provider consultations.
Boosting mental health care. Social distancing and isolation brought on by COVID-19 have exacerbated a mental health crisis, and health insurance providers have recognized the need to act swiftly to make mental health care more affordable and accessible. Health insurance providers will continue to build new solutions to improve access to mental health services for the people and communities we serve.
Accelerating the shift to value-based care. The COVID-19 crisis has accelerated health care鈥檚 shift to a value-based system, making improving patient outcomes essential. Health insurance providers will continue to build value-based arrangement that can serve as a blueprint for ensuring that patients are receiving high-quality, evidence-based, and
coordinated care.
Building on America鈥檚 existing health care system. The COVID-19 crisis has highlighted the importance of America鈥檚 existing health care system, which has helped millions of Americans find coverage and financial stability. While more work remains, the Affordable Care Act has made great strides in providing Americans with access to affordable, comprehensive coverage. ACA premium subsidies and expanded funding for Medicaid programs in 36 states and the District of Columbia help millions of Americans鈥攊ncluding so many who lost their jobs due to COVID-19鈥攇et the coverage they need, which is why health insurance providers support building upon the ACA and the protections it provides.
Health insurance providers have been alongside Americans every step of the COVID-19 crisis, and will remain a trusted partner as the nation recovers.