Which of the following best describes the goal of managed care?

The goal of managed care is primarily to emphasize preventive services, which is essential for promoting overall public health and reducing long-term healthcare costs. Managed care systems are designed to provide coordinated healthcare options that focus on prevention and early intervention. By emphasizing preventive services, managed care aims to identify health issues before they escalate into more serious conditions, which can lead to more expensive treatments and hospitalizations.

This approach aligns with the broader objectives of improving patient outcomes, enhancing the quality of care, and fostering efficiency within the healthcare system. Preventive care includes a range of services such as routine check-ups, screenings, vaccinations, and health education, all of which contribute to a healthier population and better management of chronic diseases.

The other options present misunderstandings of what managed care strives to achieve. Providing free healthcare for all may be an ideal goal but does not reflect the structured approach of managed care, which often involves cost-sharing mechanisms. Increasing healthcare costs contradicts the fundamental aim of managed care to manage costs effectively while ensuring quality care. Limiting access to medical treatments does not accurately depict the intent of managed care; while it may involve managing the use of certain services, the emphasis is on providing appropriate and necessary care rather than restricting access.