Certified in Public Health (CPH) Practice Exam

What does the "iron triangle" of U.S. health care policy goals emphasize?

1. Making necessary tradeoffs to achieve quality while ensuring profitability for providers

2. Making necessary tradeoffs to achieve quality and access while controlling cost

3. Maintaining highest quality of services regardless of cost

4. Providing highest quality of services only for those who can afford it

The correct answer is: Making necessary tradeoffs to achieve quality and access while controlling cost

The concept of the "iron triangle" in U.S. health care policy refers to the interplay between three key goals: quality, access, and cost. The correct answer encapsulates the essential need to balance quality and accessibility of health care services while simultaneously focusing on controlling costs. This idea illustrates that improvements in one area can lead to compromises in another, making it crucial for policymakers to make trade-offs. For instance, striving to enhance quality might increase costs, while efforts to expand access might lead to lower quality if not managed properly. Emphasizing the need to control costs ensures that the health care system is sustainable and equitable, allowing for resources to be allocated effectively among the population. Thus, this trade-off approach is vital for addressing the reality of limited resources in health care.