The Affordable Care Act Health Policy.edited (1).edited

docx

School

Maseno University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

DEVELOPMEN

Subject

Nursing

Date

Nov 24, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by AgentWorldYak26

Running head: THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT HEALTH POLICY 1 The Affordable Care Act Health Policy Name Institutional Affiliation

THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT HEALTH POLICY 2 I. Policy Analysis: Affordable Care Act (ACA) Introduction The Affordable Care Act (ACA), enacted in 2010, stands as a transformative policy in healthcare in the United States. This analysis critically evaluates the ACA's effectiveness and impact, aiming to provide valuable insights for social work practitioners, administrators, and local politicians. By examining the intricacies of the ACA, we seek to contribute to informed decision-making and potential refinements in the ongoing pursuit of equitable and accessible healthcare. Form of Benefits The ACA introduces a comprehensive approach to benefits, prioritizing the provision of essential healthcare services over cash or material goods. Its focus extends beyond traditional paradigms, emphasizing access to preventive care, hospital stays, and prescription medication (De Silva & Gleason, 2022). This strategic choice underscores the recognition that quality services are fundamental to promoting and maintaining individuals' health and well-being, aligning with the broader goal of the ACA to ensure comprehensive and accessible healthcare for all. Eligibility Criteria Eligibility for ACA benefits is contingent on specific criteria, including income thresholds, household size, and citizenship status. Means testing is integral in assessing applicants' financial resources to ascertain their need for subsidized healthcare (De Silva & Gleason, 2022). The nuanced approach considers income levels against federal poverty guidelines, tailoring assistance to those facing economic challenges. This method ensures that those most in

THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT HEALTH POLICY 3 need receive support, aligning with the ACA's goal of providing affordable healthcare to a diverse population. Accessibility for Clients Obtaining ACA benefits involves a generally streamlined process facilitated by online platforms and accessible information. However, disparities exist across states, impacting the ease of access. Due to complex eligibility criteria or state-specific regulations, clients may face challenges, influencing the overall ease or difficulty in navigating and securing ACA benefits (De Silva & Gleason, 2022). Continuous improvements in communication and uniformity can enhance accessibility and streamline the process for clients seeking vital healthcare coverage. Organizations and Staff Delivery of ACA benefits involves a diverse range of organizations and staff. These include healthcare providers, insurance companies, and government agencies collaborating to ensure the effective implementation of the policy (De Silva & Gleason, 2022). The engagement of various entities underscores the multifaceted nature of healthcare delivery under the ACA, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts among different stakeholders to achieve optimal outcomes for beneficiaries. Anti-Racism Considerations Exploring the ACA's stance on anti-racism is crucial for understanding its broader societal impact. While the ACA aims to improve healthcare access for all, potential disparities in implementation may exist (De Silva & Gleason, 2022). A critical examination is required to assess

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT HEALTH POLICY 4 whether the ACA actively addresses anti-racism or, conversely, contributes to racial disparities in healthcare access. Community Involvement Involving the community is essential to implementing policies effectively. It is crucial to determine whether the ACA mandates community participation and evaluate how agencies implement it (De Silva & Gleason, 2022). Involvement from the community guarantees that policies meet local needs and encourages recipients to feel accountable and own their actions. Financing of Programs/Services The financial framework of the Affordable Care Act encompasses required Budget monies, block grants, and federal discretionary expenditures. Comprehending the economic mechanisms to assess the policy's success and sustainability is essential (Eslami & Semaan, 2023). It makes it possible to understand how resources are allocated and how much financial support is given to the various healthcare demands of the populace. Funding Adequacy Assessing actual client cases and consulting scholarly literature are methods used to determine whether financing for ACA programs meets client requirements (Eslami & Semaan, 2023). Future decisions about resource allocation and policy changes will be guided by this research, which offers a detailed knowledge of the financial problems and triumphs in administering the Affordable Care Act. Goals/Objectives Evaluation

THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT HEALTH POLICY 5 Citing data from scientific publications and client observations is necessary when reviewing the ACA's aims and objectives. This rigorous evaluation is essential to determine whether the policy has produced the desired results (Eslami & Semaan, 2023). Analyzing the causes of objective success or failure offers valuable insights into the difficulties associated with implementing procedures, which may be applied to improve future healthcare policies. II. Policy Evaluation: Affordable Care Act (ACA) Social Justice Impact Due to its efforts to address racial and ethnic gaps in healthcare access and financial and power inequality, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has significantly impacted social justice. The core idea of the ACA is health equality, which attempts to close the inequities historically underprivileged groups experience (Eslami & Semaan, 2023). For low-income individuals and families, access to healthcare has dramatically increased with the expansion of Medicaid and the creation of health insurance exchanges. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has attempted to mitigate income-related barriers by extending Medicaid eligibility and subsidizing insurance rates. This has ensured that financial restraints allow access to necessary healthcare treatments. However, problems still exist, especially when it comes to resolving racial and ethnic inequities. Even while the ACA has significantly decreased the percentage of uninsured people in different communities, significant discrepancies still exist. Several factors, including cultural obstacles, systematic racism, and differences in the distribution of healthcare providers, cause persistent inequities. Targeted measures are required to improve the ACA's social justice impact (Moriya, & Chakravarty 2023). Aiming to eliminate racial and ethnic gaps in healthcare outcomes, culturally competent healthcare services, and measures to address social determinants

THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT HEALTH POLICY 6 of health should all be part of the proposed adjustments. The ACA's community-based initiative strengthening and workforce diversity promotion are critical first steps toward a more equitable healthcare system. Social Work Profession's Role The field of social work is vital to the development of healthcare laws like the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Social workers play a crucial role as advocates for marginalized groups and as a bridge between the people directly affected by healthcare policies and legislators (De Silva & Gleason, 2022). Social workers contribute to creating and revising policies that align with the values of equality and justice because of their knowledge of the social determinants of health. Their involvement in legislative lobbying enables them to underscore the significance of comprehensive, patient-centered care within the context of the Affordable Care Act. More social workers must take leadership roles and contribute their firsthand experiences to policymaking to boost the profession's influence (Kim et al., 2023). Furthermore, social workers make a substantial contribution by researching to evaluate the effects of the ACA. Steps for Policy Change Step 1: Advocacy and Education By participating in grassroots activism to inform communities about the ACA's provisions and possible revisions, social workers can help change the law (De Silva & Gleason, 2022). This entails enabling knowledgeable people to promote educated public conversation and promoting engaged community involvement in the policymaking process. Using Figueira-McDonough's (1993) emphasis on policy practice and intervention, social workers adopt this approach, realizing the importance of actively addressing policy issues to meet the needs of various groups.

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT HEALTH POLICY 7 Step 2: Collaboration with Stakeholders Social workers can deliberately form partnerships with advocacy groups, community organizations, and healthcare professionals to influence the Affordable Care Act (ACA) changes. By doing this, they want to increase the impact of their efforts by forging a unified front to push for changes that cater to the various demands of different groups (Domanski, 1998). Social workers emphasize the value of collaboration in this collaborative approach, consistent with Domanski's prototypes of social work political engagement (1998), which highlight the efficacy of group efforts in influencing policy change. Step 3: Policy Research and Analysis Social workers can strategically contribute to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by conducting research projects that evaluate the ACA's effects on specific areas, emphasizing vulnerable populations (Figueira-McDonough, 1993). Social workers who do this study hope to offer evidence-based insights that add significant viewpoints to the ongoing policy dialogue. This is consistent with Figueira-McDonough's (1993) focus on the neglected side of social work intervention, which emphasizes the value of research and data-driven methods for comprehending and tackling healthcare policy's various and frequently disregarded facets. Step 4: Legislative Engagement Social workers can actively interact with lawmakers and officials to influence Affordable Care Act (ACA) changes. Social workers hope to communicate the lived experiences of their clients through this interaction by telling tales and providing information demonstrating how healthcare policies affect people in the real world (Domanski, 1998). The goal is to persuade policymakers to consider modifications that prioritize social justice and advance fair access to

THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT HEALTH POLICY 8 healthcare. By doing this, social workers contribute significantly to closing the gap between the creation of policies and people's real-world needs and experiences, pushing for reforms consistent with inclusivity and fairness. Step 5: Community Empowerment Social workers can plan and lead community engagement events to get feedback on healthcare needs and concerns to actively participate in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) reform. This approach aims to enable communities by giving them a forum to express their views and ensuring that any ensuing policy modifications are inclusive of many viewpoints and able to deal with particular issues the community faces (Lappeman et al., 2023). In keeping with Figueira- McDonough's (1993) focus on intervention and community involvement, this participatory approach acknowledges social workers' critical role in bridging the policymaking gap at the grassroots level and promoting more inclusive and community-driven healthcare policies. Appendix (Critical Response To Policy) Your Name Your Address City, State, ZIP Code Email Address Date President Joe Biden The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT HEALTH POLICY 9 Washington, D.C. 20500Address City, State, ZIP Code Subject: Urgent Call for Reform in the Affordable Care Act Dear President Biden, I hope this letter finds you well. My name is (Your Name), and I am a dedicated social worker serving the needs of our community. I am writing to you as a concerned citizen who has seen firsthand the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) effects on my clients. After an in-depth examination of the ACA's impact on healthcare access, I am compelled to propose a specific policy change. As the leader of the executive branch, I urge you to support the improvement of assistance programs that target underserved communities. In particular, allocating resources to community-based workshops, multilingual materials, and culturally competent outreach would significantly improve awareness and enrollment rates. In my practice, I have encountered cases where eligible individuals were unaware of the healthcare options available or found the enrollment process intimidating. Strengthening outreach will close this gap and ensure that more people benefit from the provisions of the ACA. I appreciate your commitment to public service and believe that your influence can lead to positive changes in access to health care. I am open to further discussion and honoured to share my experience to support this issue. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely,

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT HEALTH POLICY 10 Your Name Your Credentials Contact Information Conclusion To sum up, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has addressed financial inequities and increased access for vulnerable communities, significantly advancing the goal of social justice in healthcare. The ACA's emphasis on preventive care and essential services reflects a commitment to comprehensive health coverage. Despite achievements, challenges persist, particularly in reducing racial and ethnic disparities. To enhance the ACA's impact, targeted interventions are crucial, addressing social determinants of health and promoting cultural competence. The social work profession, pivotal in advocating for equitable policies, should actively engage in policymaking, research, and community empowerment to drive meaningful changes, ensuring healthcare policies evolve to meet the population's diverse needs. References De Silva, D. A., & Gleason, J. L. (2022). Affordable Care Act (ACA) Implementation and Adolescent Births by Insurance Type: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis of Births between 2009 and 2017 in the United States. Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology , Vol, 35, issue 6, pp. 685–691. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpag.2022.07.007

THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT HEALTH POLICY 11 Domanski, M.D. (1998). Prototypes of social work political participation: An empirical model. Social Work, Vol. 43, issue, 2, pp. 156-167.Available at: https://academic.oup.com/sw/article-abstract/43/2/156/1881895(Accessed on 20 th Nov 2023). Eslami, M. H., & Semaan, D. B. (2023). Increased Medicaid eligibility of Affordable Care Act: Evidence of improved outcomes for patients with peripheral artery disease. Seminars in Vascular Surgery , Vol, 36 , issue, 1, pp. 58–63. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.semvascsurg.2023.01.004 Figueira-McDonough, J. (1993). Policy practice: The neglected side of social work intervention. Social Work, Vol. 38, issue 2, pp.179-188. Available at: https://academic.oup.com/sw/issue/38/2 (Accessed on 20 th Nov 2023). Kim, H., Mahmood, A., Chang, C. F., Hammarlund, N., & Dobalian, A. (2023). Impact of the Affordable Care Act on participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program among low-income older Medicare beneficiaries. BMC Health Services Research , Vol, 23 issue,1, pp 509. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-023-09557-7 (Accessed on 20 th Nov 2023). Lappeman, J., Goder, A., Naicker, K., Faruki, H., & Gordon, P. (2023). Using sentiment analysis to understand public policy nicknames: Obamacare and the Affordable Care Act. Journal of Nonprofit & Public Sector Marketing , pp 1–17. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/10495142.2023.2178588 (Accessed on 20 th Nov 2023). Moriya, A. S., & Chakravarty, S. (2023). Racial And Ethnic Disparities In Preventable Hospitalizations And ED Visits Five Years After ACA Medicaid Expansions. Health

THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT HEALTH POLICY 12 Affairs , Vol, 42, issue,1, pp 26–34. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2022.00460(Accessed on 20 th Nov 2023).

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

The Affordable Care Act Health Policy.edited (1).edited

Related Documents