Describe the organization and structures of health insurance.

Description should include

  • health maintenance organizations (HMOs)
  • preferred provider organizations (PPOs)
  • independent practice associations (IPAs)
  • Medicare
  • Medicaid
  • commercial insurers
  • government healthcare systems (i.e., the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act [ACA])

Process/Skill Questions:

  • What are the similarities and differences of HMOs and PPOs?
  • How does Medicare influence the delivery of health care?
  • How does Medicaid influence the delivery of health care?
  • How has the Affordable Care Act affected health care in the United States?