THE ROLE OF HEALTH POLICY IN IMPROVING HEALTH OUTCOMES AND HEALTH EQUITY.

Abstract

Despite higher per-capita health care spending than any other country, the United States lags far behind in health outcomes. Additionally, there are significant health inequities by race, ethnicity, socioeconomic position, and rurality. One set of potential solutions to improve these outcomes and reduce inequities is through health policy. Policy focused on improving access to care through insurance coverage, such as the Affordable Care Act's Medicaid expansion, has led to better health and reduced mortality. Policy aimed at improving health care delivery, including value-based payment and alternative payment models, has improved quality of care but has had little impact on population health outcomes. Policies that influence broader issues of economic opportunity likely have a strong influence on health, but lack the evidence base of more targeted interventions. To advance health outcomes and equity, further policy change is crucial.