Review of the Literature

Since access to health care and insurance are very controversial issues, over the years, a wide spread population of researchers and writers have discussed these topics in depth. Due to the interest which so many have invested in this topic, hundreds of journal articles, newspaper articles, web pages, etc have been created in order to contribute varying opinions on the matter. Due to this, the topic of access for the under and uninsured has been covered fairly thoroughly.

Through my research I uncovered a great deal of information to support my opinion concerning healthcare access. The issue of citizens having a right to receive healthcare if they are under or uninsured, as well as the ability for physicians to provide this care, are the two main focus points for this project. It is common knowledge that many people hold the belief that healthcare is a right. Articles written by Thomas O’Toole, Peter Simms, Bruce Dixon, and Karen Eggleston provide evidence for this by addressing these concerns in their own context. The most common solution suggested for rectifying the unjust, money driven culture of the American health care system, is to revert to a form of nationwide universal healthcare. Politicians have been working with this idea over the years, but no such system has yet to be implemented. Many recognized complications have been discussed as well as the amount of time it would realistically take to completely remodel the current form of healthcare. Also, those who have no need for universal health care, such as the rich or those with adequate health insurance coverage, do not want to give up their rights to superior healthcare. Health care providers, like hospitals within the California area, recognize their need for more timely reform in order to continue providing, or expand their provision of, healthcare to the under and uninsured. Publications from the California Health Association address these concerns and help to outline solutions.

Although a great deal of information and research cover the issue of access to healthcare, I still believe it is an important topic that I feel the need to contribute to. By compiling multiple viewpoints from various resources, I will create an easily accessed overview of the topic. This webpage will show an array of other’s opinions, while also providing unique interviews and summaries of how physicians and private practices can help participate in patient care of the under and uninsured.

An important aspect of this provision of care involves volunteer work. Although many private practices may believe they cannot provide access for all patients, an abundance of volunteer opportunities exist for them to participate in. There are a multitude of opportunities for anyone either employed by the medical field, or even mildly interested in the field, to find a way to contribute towards increasing access of healthcare to these populations in need.