An Analysis of the US and Australian Health Insurance Programs Research Paper

An Analysis of the US and Australian Health Insurance Programs - Research Paper Example Many scholars have compared the two health insurance systems and found surprising data that is of concern. The statistic shows that Australia spends an average of 8.7 percent of its GDP on supporting health and this covers all residents in Australia irrespective of their employment status (Coory). The American government, on the other hand, spends 17.6% of its GDP on healthcare (CMS) and this is far much more than any industrialized country and 47 million citizens still lack health insurance while millions of others are underinsured (Mascarenhas). This is a damning statistic which asks for a deeper analysis. The second issue is that the American Medicaid program only covers those above the age of 65 while the rest have to look for alternative private health treatment (Mascarenhas). On the other hand, the Australian one covers all the individuals including the well-off in society who are entitled to subsidize medical cover with the government paying a certain percentage of it (AHS). Although the Medicaid program is available in the US to cater for the low-income earners, their exist restrictions on who is eligible for that kind of health care program. This leaves most of the population uninsured with many opting for private treatment which is costly and most are unable to afford these costs (HJK). Although there exist some strength s associated with the US Medicare program it is still way back below the Australian Medicare program that covers everyone. The strengths lie in the short waiting time for surgery patients and other patients with chronic complications (Mascarenhas). On the other hand, the Australian program has a long waiting list and this is one of its problems. Despite all, it is better to wait for a long time and be served than to be completely denied the service. The greatest strength in the Australian program is affordability and access and this is lacking in the American programs (DHAC).

Personal Leadership plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Personal Leadership plan - Essay Example Adherence to these internal and external forces that affect the operations of an organization would go a long way in ensuring the organization realizes its goals, vision, and mission by sticking to the laid down policies and strategies (Carter et al., 2012). This paper explores the importance of developing a personal leadership plan. Importance of Personal Leadership Plans There are several reasons for which leaders should develop their leadership plans. First, although one may know everything about him/herself, such knowledge would be futile unless it is written down in a well-organized form that is beneficial to the user. Such documentation of knowledge is particularly important in enabling one to focus thoughts, resources, and energy on the leadership right qualities. Further, a leadership plan allows one to organize his/her present, past, and future in a connected manner by allowing the exploration of personal interests, values, beliefs, needs, and experiences, which are then ali gned and applied in leadership to help in the realization of an organizations vision, mission, and objectives (Carter et al., 2012). By judging and understanding these values, beliefs, and experiences, one is better placed to appreciate current status and forecast future professional life. In essence, all the work involved in preparing a leadership plan enables an individual to develop the useful practices of introspection, the habit of looking inward for guidance (Kahn, 1991). The two main effects of leadership plan on an individual is the inculcation of the sense of self-direction and self-awareness, two of the essential factors in effective leadership. The inclusion of a personal mission statement in a leadership plan is one technique by which leaders are guided to their personal life and professional future. Personal mission statements also assist people in decision making processes and in the building of confidence in one’s decisions and abilities. All an individual requ ires is a well thought-out purpose for life, which is a rather strong foundation for personal as well as career life. Personal leadership plans are also useful when one is considering performance review, promotion, or change in career direction. During such time, it is vital that all the outstanding leadership qualities, which could be influential in an individual’s vision of effective leadership, should be evaluated so that the right choices are made. Even as personal leadership planning is important and people are encouraged to generate ideas for personal as well as career growth and development, it is advised that people need to limit the expanse and the size of aspirations and the timeframe within which objectives are to be realized (Robbins et al., 2008). In other words, the leadership goals outlined in a leadership plan should not only fit in the set time but should also be realistic and achievable. Leadership plans must also indicate the mechanisms by which professiona l and personal goals are to be realized in addition to setting the right timeframe. To achieve great results in leadership effectiveness, it is important that one becomes passionate and compelled to constantly