Access to healthcare is defined as timely access to services that lead to positive health outcomes. Access is often measured in terms of healthcare coverage and health infrastructure: how many doctors, hospital beds, vaccines, etc. there are. However, having the infrastructure to provide services and extending service coverage does not ensure access to care. Healthcare access also must take into account things like transportation, cultural competency, and cost.

The definitions of affordability in terms of healthcare differ based on context and settings. Out-of-pocket costs will differ depending on the country’s healthcare system or lack thereof. The extent to which an individual or family can afford these costs depends on household income.

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**Think Further Questions
1. Can you think of any examples of barriers to healthcare access in your own life and community? What were they? What do you think are some possible solutions?
2. Which, if any, aspects of healthcare do you think everyone should have access to? Who should pay for it?
3. If you were a presidential candidate, what would you say about healthcare access? Who is your key audience?

**Contents
00:00 - Problem
00:51 - Explanation
01:13 - Access to Health Care and Affordability
02:13 - How it Works
04:45 - So What?

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