Since its inception, Medicare has undergone a number of changes because of legal and regulatory action. One result of the Balanced Budget Act (BBA) of 1997 has been to

1. A. expand Medicare benefits by mandating coverage for certain preventive services
2. B. reduce the number of organizations that can deliver covered services
3. C. encourage growth of managed Medicare programs in all markets
4. D. increase the number of “zero premium” plans available to Medicare beneficiaries

Correct Answer: A

Readiness is an important consideration for the development of health promotion programs. Readiness refers to

1. A. the availability of previously established health promotion programs to an health plan’s members through employers, providers, or community service agencies
2. B. the appropriateness of a program’s educational approach, given the language, literacy level, and cultural sensitivities of the target population
3. C. a member’s level of knowledge about existing health risks and problems and the member’s ability and willingness to adopt new health-related behaviors
4. D. a member’s access to information technology, such as a video cassette recorder, a computer, or the Internet

Correct Answer: C

Vision care is typically separated into two categories: routine eye care and clinical eye care. The standard benefit plans offered by most health plans include coverage for
* 1. Routine eye care
* 2. Clinical eye care

1. A. Both 1 and 2
2. B. 1 only
3. C. 2 only
4. D. Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer: C

In recent years, the demand for prescription drugs has increased dramatically. Factors that have contributed to this increase include

1. A. increased education regarding the purpose and benefits of drug formularies
2. B. reductions in the cost of prescription drugs
3. C. increased use of direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising
4. D. all of the above

Correct Answer: C

Accreditation is intended to help purchasers and consumers make decisions about healthcare coverage.
The following statements are about accreditation. Select the answer choice containing the correct statement.

1. A. At the request of health plans, accrediting agencies gather the data needed for accreditation.
2. B. Most purchasers and consumers review accreditation results when making decisions to purchase or enroll in a specific health plan.
3. C. Accreditation is typically conducted by independent, not-for-profit organizations.
4. D. All health plans are required to participate in the accreditation process.

Correct Answer: C