Certified in Public Health (CPH) Practice Exam

Which statement accurately describes the financing of health care in the United States?

1. Public health services represent approximately half of total expenditures for health care

2. Health care expenditures as a percentage of GDP have remained stable within the range of 5%-8% since the 1970s

3. Medicare funds most services for the elderly in institutional long-term care facilities

4. Medicaid is a Federal-State partnership covering health care for low-income families, elderly, blind, and disabled individuals

The correct answer is: Medicaid is a Federal-State partnership covering health care for low-income families, elderly, blind, and disabled individuals

The statement that accurately describes the financing of health care in the United States is that Medicaid is a Federal-State partnership covering health care for low-income families, elderly, blind, and disabled individuals. This reflects the structure and purpose of Medicaid, which was designed to provide essential health services to vulnerable populations who might not otherwise have access to necessary care. Medicaid operates through a collaboration between federal and state governments, with funding coming from both levels. This partnership allows states to tailor their programs to meet the specific health care needs of their residents while adhering to federal guidelines. Medicaid covers a comprehensive range of services, ensuring that low-income individuals, including families, the elderly, and those with disabilities, receive the care they require. The other statements contain inaccuracies or do not adequately represent the complexities of health care financing in the U.S. For instance, public health services do not constitute approximately half of the total expenditures for health care, and the percentage of GDP spent on health care has significantly increased, particularly since the 1970s, often exceeding 17%. While Medicare does provide funding for many services for the elderly, it is not the sole payer for all long-term care services, and this complexity is a vital aspect of understanding health care financing.