Final answer:
The statement about FQHCs is true; they provide subsidized healthcare on a sliding scale to underserved communities. Healthcare financing varies, with fee-for-service and HMOs providing contrasting incentives for providers. Access to affordable healthcare remains a significant concern, which initiatives like the ACA and Medicaid seek to address.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement regarding Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) is true. FQHCs receive federal funding to provide ambulatory healthcare services in underserved areas. Patients who do not have Medicaid can pay for services on a sliding scale based on their income. This ensures that healthcare is accessible to individuals regardless of their ability to pay, aligning with the broader goals of equity in healthcare access. These centers play a crucial role in serving communities that might otherwise lack access to essential healthcare services due to economic or geographic barriers.
Healthcare financing systems, such as fee-for-service and health maintenance organizations (HMOs), differ fundamentally. In fee-for-service, providers are reimbursed for each service delivered, while HMOs receive a fixed amount per enrollee. This changes the incentives for providers in terms of resource allocation. Additionally, insurance markets may suffer from adverse selection, where those at high risk are more likely to purchase insurance, potentially driving up costs.
Access to healthcare is particularly challenging for low-income individuals, a situation that the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) aimed to alleviate through Medicaid expansion. However, some states have opted out of this expansion, leaving gaps in coverage. By providing options such as FQHCs and Medicaid, the aim is to reduce the number of uninsured and underinsured individuals and mitigate issues stemming from poor access to healthcare services.