Which of the following would likely improve healthcare access in rural areas?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Incentivizing healthcare providers to practice in rural areas. This option directly addresses the issue of healthcare access in rural areas by attracting more healthcare providers to work there. Increasing urban-based healthcare workers (choice A) does not address the specific need in rural areas. Limiting insurance options for rural populations (choice C) would actually hinder access to healthcare. Choice D is incorrect because not all options provided are effective in improving healthcare access in rural areas.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Economics represents the science of allocation of resources. Resources are goods or services. The other definitions do not fully describe economics.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: With 25% of the population out of work, the number of patients capable of paying their medical bills was reduced. Because public financing was limited, hospitals, physicians, and other providers went bankrupt. Because hospitals and physicians were going bankrupt, there was no way to increase charity care or services for those in need.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Indemnity plans paid all the costs of covered services provided to the enrollee. The enrollee enjoyed free choice of provider and services. They preserve the enrollee's right of choice and allow the person to manage his or her own health care. These plans became very costly because there were no incentives for cost containment. Today, cost-sharing efforts (e.g., copayments, deductibles) help contain costs. Blue Cross and Blue Shield continue to be a provider of health insurance.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Although there are many public health messages in the media, from quitting smoking to getting a checkup, the primary message currently being emphasized by public health, as well as all the media coverage of the constantly increasing cost for health care, is for each person to take responsibility for his or her own health through choosing healthy lifestyle behaviors. Supporting legislative efforts is not as important as the need for individuals to take responsibility for their own health.