Goldstein, Rachel
Email Address
ORCID
Disciplines
3 results
Search Results
Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
Publication The Rise of Health Disparities in the United States: An Investigation into Medicaid Expansionary Policies(2020-09-08) Goldstein, RachelSince the passage of the Affordable Care Act, the variations in health spending and health outcomes across states have further diverged. While some states have increased their overall funding of Medicaid, others, like Texas, have not increased Medicaid coverage nor have they kept funding equal to inflation levels. This research paper examines and compares the health outcomes of states with higher uninsured populations and the ability to meet UNESCO defined standards for social responsibility in the health care sector. Based on literature review and a case study of health outcomes for low-income patients and disabled individuals, this paper finds that non-expansion Medicaid states are not capable of meeting UNESCO defined standards, due to the barriers to mental health care and the likelihood of long-term disparities in health outcomes for low-income and disabled individuals.Publication A Healthcare System in Crisis: Assessing the Financial Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on American Hospitals(2021-05-07) Goldstein, RachelIn recent years, the number of hospital closures has steadily increased, which jeopardizes the long-term health of people residing in communities without ready access to hospitals. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic presented a variety of challenges to hospitals across the United States, including the cessation of elective procedures. This paper compares the financial outcomes of American hospitals during the height of the pandemic and the immediately following months, as well as some hospitals’ methods of responding to the financial hardships presented by the pandemic. Through a regression analysis as well as a case study, this paper finds that there are significant differences in the outcomes of hospital profitability and ability to remain open following the hardships presented by the pandemic. These results indicate that there are tangible actions that hospitals of all sizes could undertake in the future to prevent closure or financial vulnerability.Publication Evaluating the Impact of a Consolidated Health Care System on Low-Income Patients in Connecticut(2019-01-01) Goldstein, RachelHospitals around the country are adopting new practices and joining hospital systems. While some states have had a relatively mild rate of consolidation, others, like Connecticut, have become heavily dependent on a bifurcated hospital system. Previous papers have mainly considered prices of treatments and availability of care to the broad population. This research paper explores the ability of a consolidated health system to treat and meet UNESCO defined standards for social responsibility in the healthcare sector, particularly for low-income patients. Based on the findings in Connecticut’s New London county, this paper finds that it is possible for a place with a heavily consolidated health system to not only meet UNESCO defined standards, but also to provide high levels of medical care and a variety of services to low income patients.