Final answer:
HOS as part of HEDIS measurement helps evaluate the quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries, balancing care provision and patient outcomes while dealing with issues like moral hazard and adverse selection in the fee-for-service and HMO systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
Including HOS (Health Outcomes Survey) as part of HEDIS (Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set) measurement creates a broader way to evaluate the quality of care that health plans provide to Medicare beneficiaries. This comprehensive measure ensures that not only the volume of care is assessed but also patient outcomes, which can help in addressing issues such as moral hazard and adverse selection. Evaluating the quality of care is crucial because it directly correlates with the health and satisfaction of Medicare beneficiaries, which is a top priority for healthcare providers operating within a system that includes both Medicaid and the regulations established under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA or Obamacare).
Systems such as fee-for-service, which compensates providers based on the number of services they offer, can lead to excessive care without concern for the actual health outcomes. In contrast, approaches like those used by HMOs, where providers are reimbursed per patient, can help control costs and discourage the provision of unnecessary services. Striking a balance between quality, access, and cost remains a significant challenge in the U.S. healthcare system to ensure that the needs of Medicare beneficiaries are effectively met.