Vertical Inequities In Health Care

Summary of Problem and Legislation

One of the health care issues in today's health care system is inequities. Starfield (2011) wrote that there are two types of inequities: horizontal and vertical. Horizontal inequity indicates that people with the same needs are unable to access the same resources (Starfield, 2011). On the other hand, vertical inequity exists when “people with greater needs are not provided with greater resources” (Starfield, 2011). Eliminating inequities is the fundamental challenge in achieving the best of care given to patients. In line with this assertion, this paper will discuss about the population affected in healthcare inequities, as well as provide for the political activities related to the problem. The Population Affected Mayberry, Nicewander, Qin and Ballard (2006) wrote that “a landmark Institute of Medicine report Crossing the Quality Chasm: A New Health System for the 21st Century challenges all health care organizations to pursue six major aims of health care improvement: safety, timeliness, effectiveness, efficiency, equity, and patient-centeredness.” This challenge aims to ensure that quality care is available to everybody—regardless of race, ethnicity, and other personal characteristics unrelated to the reason why a

However, not everybody is able to access the said services. Ayanian (2015) wrote that the key indicator of inequities in health outcomes is racial disparities. Disparities in health care matter because they limit the overall improvements in quality of care. Today, it is undeniable that many groups face risks because of being uninsured. Other than that, they lack access to care. Worse, they experience worse health outcomes. Hence, Ayanian (2015) maintained that eliminating racial disparities is so vital because it will push the entire health care system in achieving health