Question 1

Define health fraud. Identify three categories in which health fraud is most frequent.

Accepted Answer

Health fraud refers to the deceptive or misleading practices that are used to promote or sell products or services that claim to improve health or treat medical conditions, but have not been proven to be effective or safe. This can include false advertising, unproven treatments, and unregulated products.

Three categories in which health fraud is most frequent include:
1. Dietary supplements: Many dietary supplements make false claims about their ability to improve health or treat specific conditions without scientific evidence to support these claims.
2. Weight loss products: There are numerous weight loss products on the market that make exaggerated claims about their effectiveness, often without any scientific backing.
3. Alternative medicine: Some alternative medicine practices and products may make unproven claims about their ability to treat or cure serious medical conditions, leading to health fraud.

Question 2

Define health insurance. What are some of the questions one needs to ask when evaluating health insurance coverage?

Accepted Answer

Health insurance is a type of insurance coverage that pays for medical and surgical expenses incurred by the insured. It can also reimburse the insured for expenses incurred from illness or injury, or pay the care provider directly. It is often included in employer benefit packages as a means of enticing quality employees, with premiums partially covered by the employer but often also deducted from employee paychecks. The cost of health insurance premiums is deductible to the payer, and the benefits received are tax-free.

Health insurance policies offer a range of different features and coverage options, and when evaluating health insurance coverage, it is important to ask a variety of questions to ensure that the policy meets your individual needs. Here are some key questions to consider:

1. **What is covered?** Ask for details on what medical services, treatments, and procedures are covered under the plan. This includes hospital stays, surgeries, lab tests, medical devices, prescription drugs, and preventive care.

2. **What is not covered?** Equally important is to know the exclusions. Understand what types of services are not covered, such as certain medications, elective surgeries, or alternative therapies.

3. **What are the premium costs?** Find out how much you will have to pay on a monthly basis for the insurance coverage.

4. **What are the out-of-pocket expenses?** This includes deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Ask how much you will have to pay out of your own pocket before insurance kicks in, and what percentage of the costs you will be responsible for after meeting your deductible.

5. **What is the deductible?** The deductible is the amount you pay for covered health care services before your insurance plan starts to pay. Knowing the deductible amount is crucial as it can significantly affect your overall costs.

6. **Is there an out-of-pocket maximum?** This is the most you have to pay for covered services in a plan year. After you spend this amount on deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance, your health plan pays 100% of the costs of covered benefits.

7. **Are my doctors and specialists covered?** Check if your current healthcare providers are in-network, which means they have a contract with the insurance company to provide services at a discounted rate.

8. **What is the process for referrals?** Some plans require a referral from a primary care physician to see a specialist. Understand how this process works within the plan.

9. **What is the prescription drug coverage?** If you require medication, ensure that the plan covers the drugs you take and understand the costs associated with them.

10. **What are the benefits for preventive care?** Preventive services such as vaccinations, screenings, and check-ups can be important for maintaining health. Find out if these are fully covered by the insurance plan.

11. **Is there coverage for mental health and substance abuse treatment?** Mental health care is an essential benefit for many people. Check to see if the plan provides coverage for therapy, counseling, and substance abuse treatment.

12. **What are the emergency care and hospitalization details?** Understand how the plan covers emergency services and hospital stays, including any requirements for pre-authorization.

13. **Is there a network of hospitals or a list of preferred providers?** Knowing which hospitals and providers are covered can be crucial, especially if you have a preferred hospital where you would like to receive care.

14. **What are the coverage limits?** Some plans may have annual or lifetime coverage limits on certain benefits. Know what these limits are.

15. **What is the policy on pre-existing conditions?** While most plans cannot deny coverage for pre-existing conditions, it's important to understand any limitations or waiting periods that might apply.

By asking these questions, you can better understand the health insurance policy being offered and make an informed decision about whether it is the right fit for your healthcare needs and financial situation.

Question 3

What are some of the issues that may bring about the repeal of the Health Care Reform Act?

Accepted Answer

The Health Care Reform Act, commonly referred to as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) or Obamacare, was enacted in 2010 to expand healthcare coverage, control healthcare costs, and improve healthcare delivery systems. However, since its inception, the ACA has faced political opposition and legal challenges that have threatened its existence. Several issues could potentially lead to its repeal or significant alteration:

1. Political Opposition: The ACA has been a contentious issue in American politics, with many Republicans and conservatives advocating for its repeal. They argue that the law imposes too many mandates on individuals and businesses, leads to higher insurance premiums, and represents an overreach of federal power. If the political balance shifts in favor of those opposing the ACA, they may attempt to repeal or replace it.

2. Legal Challenges: The ACA has faced numerous legal challenges since its passage. The Supreme Court has ruled on several aspects of the law, including the individual mandate and Medicaid expansion. Future legal challenges could potentially undermine the law, leading to its partial or complete repeal.

3. Economic Concerns: Critics of the ACA argue that it has led to increased healthcare costs for some individuals and businesses. They claim that insurance premiums and deductibles have risen for certain populations, making healthcare less affordable for them. If these economic concerns continue or worsen, they could fuel efforts to repeal the law.

4. Market Stability: The ACA aimed to create more stable health insurance markets by mandating coverage and providing subsidies. However, if insurers withdraw from the ACA exchanges or if there is a lack of competition in certain areas, this could lead to market instability, higher costs, and calls for the law's repeal.

5. Policy Alternatives: Proposals for alternative healthcare policies, such as a single-payer system or market-based solutions, could gain traction. If a consensus emerges around a different approach to healthcare reform, it could lead to the ACA being repealed in favor of a new system.

6. Public Opinion: Public sentiment can influence the fate of the ACA. If public opinion shifts significantly against the ACA, elected officials may feel pressured to repeal or significantly modify the law.

7. Implementation Issues: Problems with the implementation of the ACA, such as technical issues with the healthcare.gov website or difficulties in the rollout of certain provisions, could undermine confidence in the law and lead to calls for its repeal.

It's important to note that repealing the ACA would have significant implications for millions of Americans who have gained health insurance through the law, as well as for the broader healthcare system. Any efforts to repeal the law would likely involve extensive political negotiation and would need to address the complex issue of how to replace or modify the current system to maintain healthcare access and affordability.

Question 4

Ordinances are laws enacted by
A) states.
B) local governments.
C) regulatory agencies.
D) regional trading blocs.

Accepted Answer

Ordinances are typically laws or regulations passed by local governments, such as cities or counties, to govern matters not covered by federal or state law.

Question 5

The Consumer Bill of Rights includes all of the following EXCEPT the right to
A) be safe.
B) choose.
C) be informed.
D) return products.

Accepted Answer

The Consumer Bill of Rights ensures the right to be safe, choose, and be informed, but it does not specifically include the right to return products. This right can vary by store or jurisdiction and is not universally guaranteed.

Question 6

The major role of the Consumer Product Safety Commission is to
A) enforce consumer protection laws.
B) investigate fraudulent product claims.
C) establish and enforce product safety standards.
D) act as a clearinghouse for consumer health and safety information.

Accepted Answer

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is primarily responsible for establishing and enforcing product safety standards to prevent injuries and ensure the safety of consumer products.

Question 7

The Center for Science in the Public Interest is
A) a private advocacy group for nutrition and health concerns.
B) a government organization that monitors communicative disease status.
C) a quasi-public organization that coordinates the federal research budget.
D) a lobbying organization for universities and private research institutions.

Accepted Answer

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) is a private advocacy group that focuses on issues related to nutrition, health, food safety, and alcohol policy. It is not a government or quasi-public organization, nor does it primarily serve as a lobbying organization for universities and private research institutions.

Question 8

Credit card debt should be used only with caution because
A) it is too tempting.
B) it hurts your spiritual wellness.
C) credit card companies make big profits.
D) it encourages you to spend more than you can afford.

Accepted Answer

Credit card debt can lead individuals to spend beyond their means due to the ease of using credit for purchases, potentially leading to financial strain and debt accumulation.

Question 9

The main problem with children watching lots of televised violence is that they become
A) desensitized to it.
B) repulsed by it.
C) attracted to it.
D) bored by it.

Accepted Answer

Children who watch a lot of televised violence tend to become desensitized to it, meaning they may perceive violence as less serious or shocking than they should, potentially affecting their empathy and understanding of the consequences of violence.

Question 10

The significant health effects of home entertainment on children include all of the following EXCEPT
A) avoidance of relationships.
B) damage to eyesight.
C) threat of addiction.
D) inactivity.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The significant health effects of home entertainment...

Question 11

Nurses, therapists, and physicians' assistants all come under the category of
A) internists.
B) medical technologists.
C) alternative practitioners.
D) allied health professionals.

Accepted Answer

Nurses, therapists, and physicians' assistants are all considered allied health professionals, a term that encompasses a wide range of healthcare workers who provide support services to healthcare systems, complementing the roles of physicians and nurses.

Question 12

The main emphasis of managed care is
A) cost control.
B) preventive care.
C) quality of service.
D) customized services.

Accepted Answer

The main emphasis of managed care is cost control, as it seeks to provide healthcare in a way that manages the costs for providers and patients, often through negotiated rates, utilization review, and emphasizing preventive care to avoid costly treatments later.

Question 13

The highest level of emergency medical technician certification is
A) first responder.
B) paramedic.
C) driver.
D) basic.

Accepted Answer

Paramedic is the highest level of emergency medical technician (EMT) certification, requiring advanced training in patient assessment, medication administration, ECG interpretation, and many other advanced skills beyond the basic EMT level.

Question 14

The main mission of the Centers for Disease Control is to
A) eradicate infectious disease worldwide.
B) catalogue all known infectious diseases.
C) protect the health of the U.S. population.
D) serve as a worldwide clearinghouse for infectious disease information.

Accepted Answer

The main mission of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is to protect the health of the U.S. population by preparing for, detecting, and responding to infectious and non-infectious diseases and other health threats.

Question 15

The most serious form of under-nutrition in the world today is due to a lack of
A) fuel.
B) calories.
C) red meat.
D) nonfat dry milk.

Accepted Answer

The most serious form of under-nutrition globally is due to a lack of calories, which leads to energy deficiency affecting overall health, growth, and survival.

Question 16

An earthquake and tsunami caused devastation in ______ in 2004.
A) Japan
B) Southeast Asia
C) Hawaii
D) Singapore

Accepted Answer

The 2004 earthquake and tsunami caused widespread devastation in Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and India.

Question 17

All of the following are challenges presented by digital and social media except
A) access to information.
B) information overload.
C) cyberbullying.
D) access to inappropriate information.

Accepted Answer

Access to information is generally considered a benefit of digital and social media, not a challenge. It allows users to easily find and consume a wide range of content. The other options (B, C, D) are recognized challenges associated with the use of digital and social media.

Question 18

Federal health laws preempt state laws.

Accepted Answer

Federal health laws can preempt state laws when there is a conflict between the two, as the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution establishes that federal law takes precedence over state laws.

Question 19

Promoting and selling health products that have not been proven to be safe and effective is considered health fraud.

Accepted Answer

Promoting and selling health products without proven safety and effectiveness misleads consumers and can harm their health, thus constituting health fraud.

Question 20

The Council of Better Business Bureaus is an association of businesses who come together to review each others' business practices.

Accepted Answer

The Council of Better Business Bureaus (CBBB) is not an association of businesses reviewing each other, but rather a nonprofit organization focused on advancing marketplace trust by setting standards for ethical business behavior and monitoring compliance among its members.

Quiz 12: Consumer and Community Health

Define health fraud. Identify three categories in which health fraud is most frequent.

Define health insurance. What are some of the questions one needs to ask when evaluating health insurance coverage?

What are some of the issues that may bring about the repeal of the Health Care Reform Act?

Ordinances are laws enacted by

The Consumer Bill of Rights includes all of the following EXCEPT the right to

The major role of the Consumer Product Safety Commission is to

The Center for Science in the Public Interest is

Credit card debt should be used only with caution because

The main problem with children watching lots of televised violence is that they become

The significant health effects of home entertainment on children include all of the following EXCEPT

Nurses, therapists, and physicians' assistants all come under the category of

The main emphasis of managed care is

The highest level of emergency medical technician certification is

The main mission of the Centers for Disease Control is to

The most serious form of under-nutrition in the world today is due to a lack of

An earthquake and tsunami caused devastation in ______ in 2004.

All of the following are challenges presented by digital and social media except

Federal health laws preempt state laws.

Promoting and selling health products that have not been proven to be safe and effective is considered health fraud.

The Council of Better Business Bureaus is an association of businesses who come together to review each others' business practices.