Examine the role of the executive branch in healthcare policy. What is the current role that the executive plays? How has this role changed over time? Based on the current administration, how do you foresee new developments in the role of executive branch? Your paper should be 2-3 pages in length, not including the title or references pages and conform to . Include at least three scholarly references
The role of the executive branch is pivotal in shaping healthcare policy in the United States. It serves as the driving force behind the development, implementation, and enforcement of health-related legislations and regulations. The executive branch consists of the President, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and various other administrative agencies. This paper will explore the current role of the executive branch in healthcare policy, analyze how this role has evolved over time, and discuss potential developments under the current administration.
The current role of the executive branch in healthcare policy is multifaceted. The President plays a crucial role in setting the agenda and priorities for healthcare policy by proposing legislation, delivering speeches, and advocating for specific healthcare initiatives. The President also appoints officials to oversee healthcare agencies, such as the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, who play instrumental roles in shaping policy.
The Department of Health and Human Services, under the executive branch, is the principal agency responsible for implementing healthcare policy. HHS is tasked with managing and administering various federal healthcare programs, such as Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). It also oversees the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other agencies that regulate healthcare delivery and public health practices.
Over time, the role of the executive branch in healthcare policy has undergone significant changes. One notable change occurred with the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2010, which expanded access to healthcare and implemented numerous insurance market reforms. The ACA substantially increased the role of the executive branch in healthcare by granting HHS and other agencies the authority to promulgate regulations and issue guidance to implement the law. This allowed the executive branch to shape key aspects of healthcare policy, such as the establishment of health insurance Exchanges and the implementation of Medicaid expansion.
Additionally, the executive branch has increasingly used executive orders and regulatory actions to advance healthcare policy objectives. For example, President Obama issued executive orders to promote electronic health records, enhance the interoperability of health information technology, and establish value-based payment programs. Similarly, President Trump issued executive orders to promote price transparency and expand access to association health plans. These executive actions have provided the executive branch with greater flexibility and autonomy in shaping healthcare policy, bypassing the need for congressional approval.
Under the current administration, the role of the executive branch in healthcare policy is expected to undergo further transformations. President Biden’s healthcare agenda includes expanding access to affordable healthcare, strengthening the ACA, addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, and addressing health disparities. To achieve these goals, the executive branch is likely to prioritize initiatives such as expanding Medicaid, creating a public health insurance option, enhancing public health infrastructure, and investing in healthcare workforce development.
President Biden has already taken several executive actions related to healthcare policy. For example, he issued an executive order to reopen enrollment in the federal health insurance marketplace and to strengthen Medicaid and the ACA. He also established a COVID-19 response team to coordinate the federal government’s efforts in combating the pandemic. These actions indicate a robust involvement and prioritization of healthcare policy by the executive branch.
In conclusion, the executive branch plays a critical role in shaping healthcare policy in the United States. The current role of the executive branch involves setting the agenda for healthcare policy and overseeing the implementation of healthcare programs and regulations. The role of the executive branch has evolved significantly over time, particularly with the enactment of the ACA and the use of executive orders. Under the current administration, the executive branch is expected to further prioritize healthcare policy through initiatives aimed at expanding access to affordable healthcare, addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, and reducing health disparities. These developments highlight the importance of the executive branch in influencing healthcare policy in the United States.