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Medical Care

Senator Kane Cheers Christiana Care's Delaware County Healthcare Move

2024-12-05

Delaware County, PA has witnessed a remarkable development this week. Christiana Care's decision to establish a new healthcare campus in Aston is set to reshape the healthcare landscape of the region. This initiative holds the key to providing enhanced healthcare access and improving the well-being of the community.

"Christiana Care's Commitment to Delaware County's Health - A Beacon of Hope"

Enhanced Emergency Care Services

The new healthcare campus in Aston will offer 24/7 emergency care services, equipped to handle a wide range of medical emergencies. From minor injuries to life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks and strokes, patients will have access to immediate medical attention. This dedicated emergency care unit will be a lifeline for the community, ensuring that help is just a call away.Moreover, the facility is designed with state-of-the-art medical equipment and staffed by highly trained healthcare professionals. This combination ensures that patients receive the best possible care during critical moments. The addition of this emergency care service is a significant step forward in addressing the healthcare needs of Delaware County residents.

Comprehensive Diagnostic and Health Services

In addition to emergency care, the new campus will also feature diagnostic services and a health center offering primary and specialty care. These services will help fill the long-standing healthcare void in the community. Patients will no longer have to travel long distances to access essential medical services.The health center will provide a wide range of primary care services, including routine check-ups, vaccinations, and chronic disease management. Speciality care services will also be available, ensuring that patients receive specialized treatment for various medical conditions. This comprehensive approach to healthcare will improve the overall health outcomes of Delaware County residents.

Community-Centric Approach

What makes this healthcare investment even more remarkable is Christiana Care's commitment to developing services based on community needs. The provider understands that healthcare is not just about profits; it's about serving the people. By focusing on community-centric services, Christiana Care is ensuring that the healthcare campus in Aston becomes an integral part of the community.This commitment is reflected in the projected opening of the facility in the second half of 2026. The timing is crucial as it gives residents hope for a future where quality healthcare is accessible right in their neighborhood. It shows that Christiana Care is dedicated to building a healthcare infrastructure that meets the specific needs of Delaware County residents.

Combined Efforts for a Stronger Community

This investment in Aston, combined with Christiana Care's existing services in the region, demonstrates their genuine commitment to the health and well-being of Delaware County residents. It's a collaborative effort between the healthcare provider and the community to rebuild and strengthen the healthcare infrastructure.As the Delco Senate and House Delegation continues to fight against predatory healthcare practices, initiatives like Christiana Care's new healthcare campus serve as a reminder of the importance of responsible healthcare leadership. By bringing essential services back to where they're needed most, Christiana Care is setting an example for other healthcare providers to follow.In conclusion, Christiana Care's new healthcare campus in Aston is a significant milestone for Delaware County. It offers hope, improved healthcare access, and a community-centric approach to healthcare. With the opening of this facility, the region is poised to experience a transformation in healthcare delivery, benefiting residents for years to come.

Chattanooga, Tennessee has witnessed remarkable success with the recently opened student health clinic at Chattanooga State. This unique clinic, which many other community colleges lack, was born out of the need during the Covid-19 pandemic. Officials at Chatt State recognized the importance of accessible healthcare for their students.

Discover the Impact of Chattanooga State's Free Health Clinic

Unique Features of the Clinic

The clinic's newest healthcare service stands out with no bill attached. Since its opening on November 15th, approximately half of the seen students were uninsured. This highlights the crucial role it plays in providing healthcare to those in need.

Amanda Bennett from Chatt State student affairs emphasizes the significance of this service. "Healthcare was a service that we were lacking, that our students needed." It showcases the school's commitment to addressing student health concerns.

Advancing Student Knowledge

Martina Harris, dean of nursing and allied health, envisions the clinical spot as an opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience. "We can envision this clinical spot as an opportunity for students to do clinicals here, as opposed to going out in the community." This allows students to run labs and x-rays, preparing them for future careers.

With in-house services offered for free and some outsourced treatments planned in the future, the clinic aims to provide comprehensive healthcare. "With STI testing, we do have to currently send it out. We will be working with an outpatient lab that will collect it in house. If they cannot afford it, then we have two community services that we've paired with that can get them in same day for testing and treatment at no cost."

Removing Barriers for Students

The state grant-funded clinic is dedicated to removing the barriers faced by degree-seeking students. As student Trinity Henry says, "Luckily this clinic is here so that I could get checked out. Just make sure nothing was serious." It provides a safe space for students to seek medical attention.

Students can also learn more about health and insurance help here, ensuring they have the necessary resources at their disposal.

In the United States, having health insurance is crucial but not enough to guarantee access to affordable medical care. Although the U.S. lacks a universal healthcare system like those in most other wealthy nations, the majority of Americans over 65 are insured through Medicare. However, many still face difficulties in affording care, with high out-of-pocket costs making necessary medications and doctor visits unaffordable for them. According to research from The Commonwealth Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting an equitable healthcare system, these additional costs burden Medicare beneficiaries and make it harder for older Americans to access affordable care compared to their peers in other countries.

Medicare's Affordability Crisis for Older Americans

Medicare and Health Insurance in the U.S.

In the U.S., health insurance is a necessity, yet it doesn't always ensure affordable medical care. Medicare plays a significant role for those over 65, but as the article shows, it still has its challenges. Many older adults struggle with out-of-pocket expenses, which can prevent them from getting the care they need. This is in contrast to other wealthy countries where healthcare systems are more comprehensive and affordable.Research from The Commonwealth Fund highlights the disparity between the U.S. and other nations. Nearly one in four older adults in the U.S. spent at least $2,000 in out-of-pocket expenses last year, while in France and the Netherlands, less than 5% of older adults had such high expenses. Only in Switzerland did older adults report spending more on healthcare than those in the U.S.

Medicare's Coverage Shortcomings

The study suggests that Medicare plans may not be meeting the needs of many Americans. A significant 8% of older adults in the U.S. reported delaying or forgoing medical care due to costs, which is higher than in any other wealthy country except Austria. Not getting the necessary care has consequences; one-third of older U.S. adults who faced cost-related barriers to receiving care reported being in fair or poor health.For example, Medicare Advantage members often find themselves seeing out-of-network doctors, exposing them to substantial healthcare costs. This highlights a flaw in the Medicare system where patients may face unexpected expenses when seeking care.

Mental Health Treatment as an Exception

Interestingly, there is one area where Medicare beneficiaries faced few out-of-pocket costs and were less likely to skip care - mental health treatment. Less than 5% of residents in all nations skipped mental health care due to affordability concerns. This shows that when treatment is affordable, patients are more likely to seek help.It's a benefit that is offered on all health plans, and it demonstrates the importance of making healthcare services affordable across the board.

Solutions for Affordable Healthcare

When older people skip or delay care, their conditions worsen, leading to more costly care and increased federal Medicare spending. Gunja suggests that the U.S. can learn from other countries and implement solutions such as capping out-of-pocket expenses and fully covering hospital and physician services.Across the board, the U.S. generally ranks last in terms of affordability measures. Getting health insurance is essential, but it's just the first step. We need to ensure that coverage is not only comprehensive but also affordable for older adults.