HCM 320 Milestone Three
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Southern New Hampshire University *
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HCM 320
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Health Science
Date
Apr 3, 2024
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docx
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Uploaded by DeanLark3991
HCM 320 Milestone Three
By Kimi Smith
HCM-320-T3421
Instructor: Michael Kalfin
February 11, 2024
Letter to Stakeholders
To whom it may concern,
I am addressing a public health issue concerning healthcare coverage and access. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010 has enabled many who could not access healthcare previously to obtain insurance. However, approximately 8% of the United States population still does not have coverage. The ACA provides subsidies that lower costs for household incomes between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level. Also, those enrolled in Silver Plans can qualify for cost-sharing reductions to help with out-of-pocket costs. My proposed policy is to lower the employer coverage firewall. Those with income levels
of 100-400% of the federal poverty level will qualify for Medicaid or Marketplace coverage. However, if one is employed and their employer offers insurance, it disqualifies them from tax subsidies. However, even if one’s employer or spouse’s employer offers insurance, they may not be able to afford it. If the firewall is lowered, more people could qualify for Medicaid or Marketplace insurance and subsidies. In addition to subsidies, the government could make insurance premiums tax deductible for those who pay for private insurance. The proposed policy will increase healthcare coverage and access for many who are currently without healthcare. This policy would also break down many socioeconomic barriers that prevent healthcare access. It would extend the current subsidy and tax credit policy to more
people. So, it would increase government spending. However, it would give people access to primary care and help to prevent chronic health issues. Better public health decreases overall healthcare costs, which, in turn, helps the economy. Lowering or eliminating the employee coverage firewall will break down socioeconomic barriers, increase healthcare coverage and access for many of the population, and boost the economy. Thank you for your consideration and
time in evaluating this issue.
Sincerely,
Kimi Smith
References
Affordable care act (ACA) - glossary
. Glossary | HealthCare.gov. (n.d.). https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/affordable-care-act/ Explaining health care reform: Questions about health insurance subsidies
. KFF. (2023a, October 30). https://www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/issue-brief/explaining-health-care-
reform-questions-about-health-insurance-subsidies/ Health insurance coverage of the total population
. KFF. (2023, October 27). https://www.kff.org/other/state-indicator/total-population/?
currentTimeframe=0&selectedRows=%7B%22wrapups%22%3A%7B%22united-states
%22%3A%7B%7D%7D%7D&sortModel=%7B%22colId%22%3A%22Location%22%2C
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How policies to expand insurance coverage affect household health care spending
. Policies to Expand Coverage Affect Household Health Care Spending | Commonwealth Fund. (2023, January 19). https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/issue-briefs/2023/jan/
policies-expand-insurance-coverage-affect-household-spending
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