A home "National Health Board" would identify a uniform minimal benefit package, certify plans that offer tax-deductible coverage through "accountable health plans" (AHPs), develop standards and guidelines for healthcare "health plan purchasing cooperatives" home (HPPCs)--more recently termed "Health Alliances"--and establish healthcare a national health outcomes database essential for effective competition between AHPs. Within today''s health care system, a wide range of models exist home and are frequently only referred to by acronym. healthcare This "alphabet home soup" adds to the confusion and frustrations consumers healthcare and home encounter when attempting to "wade through" the health healthcare care system. A brief list of commonly used terms or acronyms and their home meanings follows.HMO (health maintenance organization)--A health plan that contracts with providers for prepaid, comprehensive care healthcare for its members. Members are required to obtain care from providers within the HMO. Different models for HMOs include the group model, the IPA model, the network model, and the staff modelPPO (preferred provider organization)--A health plan that allows members to freely choose providers, but the insurance builds in financial incentives for members to select providers within a specific system or group FFS (fee for service)--A traditional system home in which the insurer pays for services after they are received, based upon the provider''s fee schedule. Consumers have the freedom to seek care without prior approval from any provider, including specialists.

Over 37 million Americans have no health care insurance coverage and are ineligible healthcare for current government assistance or entitlement programs. The majority of these home people and families are among the working poor--those holding low-wage jobs that do not offer any type of health benefits The challenge for health care reform in the United States is to change a costly and complex system (accessible only to those with adequate purchasing power and the stamina to negotiate the system), to one that is universally available healthcare and insures quality health care services at reasonable costs to the entire population. It is important for consumers to communicate their ideas and concerns regarding health care to elected or appointed policy makers.

©2003 www.eparamounthealthcare.com. All rights reserved.