Improving Access to Healthcare An Examination of Key Initiatives

Improving Access to Healthcare: An Examination of Key Initiatives Juanita Onasanya Southern New Hampshire University HCM 340 September 24, 2025 Improving Access to Healthcare: An Examination of Key Initiatives Introduction Access to healthcare is a fundamental aspect of public health that significantly influences health outcomes. Despite advancements in medical technology and increased awareness of health issues, many individuals, especially those in underserved communities, continue to face barriers to accessing healthcare services. This paper examines three key healthcare initiatives: Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and Telehealth Services. Each initiative addresses specific gaps in healthcare access, aligning with the six dimensions of quality healthcare: safety, effectiveness, timeliness, efficiency, equity, and patient-centeredness. Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) Overview Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are community-based healthcare providers that receive federal funding to provide comprehensive services to underserved populations. Established under the Health Center Program, FQHCs aim to increase access to healthcare for low-income individuals, regardless of their ability to pay. Goals Increase Access : FQHCs are designed to provide essential primary care services to individuals in underserved areas, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent access to necessary care. Comprehensive Services : They offer a range of services including preventive care, dental care, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment, addressing the holistic health needs of the community. Community Engagement : FQHCs actively involve community members in their governance and decision-making processes, tailoring services to meet local health needs (National Association of Community Health Centers, n.d.). Impact FQHCs have made significant strides in improving healthcare access. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), FQHCs served over 30 million patients in 2020, providing care to populations that are often overlooked by traditional healthcare systems (HRSA, 2021). This model not only enhances access but also improves health outcomes by providing preventive and primary care services. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) Overview The Affordable Care Act (ACA), enacted in 2010, represents a landmark reform aimed at expanding healthcare coverage and improving the quality of care in the United States. The ACA introduced several provisions to enhance access to healthcare for millions of Americans. Goals Expand Insurance Coverage : The ACA aimed to reduce the number of uninsured individuals through Medicaid expansion and the establishment of health insurance marketplaces, making coverage more affordable and accessible. Improve Quality of Care : The ACA introduced measures to enhance the quality of care, including the implementation of quality improvement programs and patient safety initiatives. Promote Preventive Services : The law mandates that insurance plans cover preventive services without cost-sharing, encouraging individuals to seek care before health issues escalate (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, n.d.). Impact Since its implementation, the ACA has significantly increased the number of insured individuals. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the uninsured rate dropped from 16% in 2010 to 9.2% in 2019, indicating that millions of Americans gained access to health insurance and, consequently, healthcare services (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020). The ACA has also led to improvements in health outcomes, particularly among low-income populations. Telehealth Services Overview Telehealth services have emerged as a crucial tool for improving healthcare access, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Telehealth encompasses a variety of technologies that facilitate remote healthcare delivery, allowing patients to consult with healthcare providers via video calls, phone calls, or online messaging. Goals Enhance Accessibility : Telehealth aims to provide healthcare access to individuals in remote or underserved areas, reducing the need for travel and associated costs. Increase Patient Engagement : By offering virtual consultations, telehealth encourages patients to engage with healthcare providers more frequently and conveniently. Improve Timeliness of Care : Telehealth facilitates quicker access to medical advice and treatment, particularly for non-emergency situations, thereby reducing wait times and improving overall efficiency (American Telemedicine Association, n.d.). Impact The rapid adoption of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted its effectiveness in maintaining continuity of care. A study by McKinsey & Company found that telehealth utilization increased from 11% of consumers in 2019 to 46% in 2020, demonstrating a significant shift in how healthcare is delivered (McKinsey & Company, 2021). Telehealth has proven particularly beneficial for mental health services, chronic disease management, and follow-up care, ensuring that patients receive timely support. Conclusion The initiatives discussed—Federally Qualified Health Centers, the Affordable Care Act, and Telehealth Services—represent significant efforts to improve access to healthcare for underserved populations. By addressing various barriers to care, these initiatives contribute to a more equitable healthcare system that prioritizes patient-centered care. As healthcare continues to evolve, ongoing support and expansion of these programs will be essential in closing the access gap and improving health outcomes for all individuals. References American Telemedicine Association. (n.d.). Telehealth: A Guide to the Future of Healthcare. Retrieved from ATA Website. Health Resources and Services Administration. (2021). Health Center Program. Retrieved from HRSA Website. McKinsey & Company. (2021). Telehealth: A quarter-trillion-dollar post-COVID-19 reality? Retrieved from McKinsey. National Association of Community Health Centers. (n.d.). Federally Qualified Health Centers. Retrieved from NACHC. U.S. Census Bureau. (2020). Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2019. Retrieved from Census Bureau. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Affordable Care Act. Retrieved from HHS Website.