Final answer:
Governments need to be involved in health care for cost regulation, accessibility, and quality assurance. In the U.S., programs like Medicaid and Medicare aim to make health care affordable and accessible, particularly for low-income families and the elderly. The goal is to have universal coverage, preventive care, and support for medical research.
Step-by-step explanation:
Reasons for Government Involvement in Health Care
The need for government in health care arises due to several key reasons. Three main reasons are cost regulation, accessibility, and quality assurance. These are critical in sectors like health care where market failures can lead to significant societal impacts.
Firstly, governments are involved to regulate costs and ensure that health care services are affordable to all segments of the society, including those with low incomes or the elderly, who face high average costs. In the United States, programs like Medicaid and Medicare have been established to provide health insurance to low-income families and seniors over 65, respectively. Secondly, ensuring accessibility to health care services regardless of income levels or personal circumstances is crucial. Lastly, quality assurance is required to maintain high standards of health care delivery that is safe and effective for the patients.
The outcomes intended by government involvement in health care also include goals such as achieving universal coverage, providing preventive care programs, and funding medical research. While the United States health care system has its strengths in quality and innovation, it also faces challenges regarding high costs and accessibility. Balanced intervention by the government is, therefore, essential to address these challenges.