Final answer:
The key players in the US health services system include large employers, government, and physicians, while the poor do not act as key players, often facing limited access to health services. Government programs like Medicare and Medicaid provide essential assistance, and the Affordable Care Act aimed to increase access to insurance coverage. Progressive politicians advocate for more government involvement to address healthcare disparities. The correct multiple-choice option is (d).
Step-by-step explanation:
The key players in the US health services system include: largemployers, the government, and physicians. However, the poor do not act as key players within this system. Large employers often provide health insurance benefits, the government administers programs like Medicare and Medicaid, and physicians deliver healthcare services. Unfortunately, the poor, particularly before the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA or Obamacare), had limited options to obtain health insurance and often lacked coverage altogether, resulting in limited access to medical facilities and preventive healthcare.
The governmental role in healthcare is substantial, with programs like Medicare serving seniors 65 and older, funded by payroll taxes, and Medicaid providing assistance to low-income families. Healthcare in the United States is a mix of nonprofit and for-profit organizations, and while government programs strive to alleviate healthcare disparities, the system often fails to meet the needs of the poorest populations effectively.
Progressive politicians often argue for increased government involvement in healthcare to ensure comprehensive coverage and encourage preventive healthcare strategies. The issue of healthcare access and insurance remains particularly acute for those in lower-paying jobs that often do not include health benefits. Moreover, the high costs of emergency healthcare for uninsured individuals is often subsidized by the government or insured individuals, illustrating the complex economic externalities present in the US healthcare system.
The correct multiple-choice option is (d).