By NextBestFitBuild capacity before demand rises
Expand workforce and facilities before universal coverage starts.
Build capacity before demand rises.
Review ledgerHow this path connects
This path
Build capacity before demand rises
Creates or worsens
Concrete changes if chosen
What would actually have to change in law, agencies, payment rules, or systems.
- Expand workforce and facilities before coverage starts
Effects
Each effect has its own page: the evidence, the case that it is or isn't a real cost, and whom it affects.
What it fixes
- Longer waits if demand grows faster than capacity
Expanding workforce and facilities before universal coverage begins prevents waits and builds a sustainable workforce.
What it creates or worsens
- Takes years, or money up front, before it pays off
Expanding workforce and facilities before universal coverage is costly up front and slow.
Who's affected
Who gains
- People with employer coverage
- Longer waits if demand grows faster than capacity: They are seen fastest today and would share one queue with everyone.
- People with ongoing or specialist care needs
- Longer waits if demand grows faster than capacity: They need specialists and procedures most often.
Who loses
- Taxpayers and public budgets
- Takes years, or money up front, before it pays off: Expanding workforce and facilities before universal coverage is costly up front and slow.
Where it has been tried
- Taiwan: Taiwan's 15-year Health and Medical Care Plan began in July 1985, and by 2000 its hospitals had 126,476 beds, or 5.7 beds per 1,000 population.Sources: The EPMA Journal (2010)