Which of the following would lower costs?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: An increase in efficiency. Efficiency refers to achieving maximum output with minimum input, thus lowering costs. By becoming more efficient, a company can produce more goods or services using the same amount of resources, leading to cost savings. Higher cost inputs (A) and using more input per unit of output (B) would both increase costs as they involve spending more resources. Option D is incorrect as improving efficiency can indeed lower costs.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Health and Human Services. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) oversees Medicaid, a federal and state program providing health coverage to low-income individuals. HHS administers Medicaid to ensure compliance with federal regulations and guidelines. The other choices are incorrect because: B: Food and Drug Agency (FDA) focuses on regulating food, drugs, and medical devices. C: Surgeon General is a public health leader but does not directly manage Medicaid. D: Center for Medical Services and Aid is a fictitious entity and not responsible for Medicaid implementation.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Medicaid enrollees fare better than uninsured and privately insured individuals when it comes to paying medical bills. This is supported by the key finding from the Commonwealth Fund Biennial Health Insurance Survey, which highlights that Medicaid enrollees have lower out-of-pocket costs and are less likely to face medical bill-related financial issues compared to uninsured and privately insured individuals. This conclusion is drawn from analyzing data on healthcare affordability and financial security among different insurance groups. The other choices are incorrect because they do not align with the actual findings of the survey, which emphasize the financial benefits of Medicaid coverage for individuals in terms of paying medical bills.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Medicaid expansion has benefited those who qualify by allowing them to avoid expensive medical fees, access psychiatric and preventative care, and remain productive members of society. Matt Bednarowicz mentions all these benefits in the article, indicating a comprehensive advantage for those eligible. Choosing option D captures the broad scope of advantages highlighted by the author. Options A, B, and C are incorrect because they each represent only a partial benefit mentioned in the article, while option D encompasses all the benefits discussed by Bednarowicz.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because opponents like Patrick Ishmael argue that Medicaid expansion will strain the state's budget. This is supported by the fact that states have to contribute a portion of the funding for expansion, which can be a significant financial burden. Ishmael and others believe that this strain on the state's budget outweighs the potential benefits of expanding Medicaid. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the main concern highlighted in the article and by opponents like Ishmael is the financial impact on the state, not the federal government's funding, overall health outcomes, or the role of government in healthcare provision.