In a -page paper, discuss one state or federal legislation that addresses the needs of vulnerable populations in the US and discuss the impact the policy has had on a select population. are required: One from a peer-reviewed less than 5 y/o one from the . Professional, governmental, or educational organizations (.org, .gov, or .edu) may be used as supplemental references. Here is the course textbook: de Chesnay, M., & Anderson, B.A. (2015). (4th.ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett. ISBN: 9781284066272

Title: An Analysis of Federal Legislation Addressing Vulnerable Populations in the United States

Introduction:
In recent years, the United States has increasingly recognized the importance of ensuring the well-being and protection of its vulnerable populations. Vulnerable populations include individuals such as children, the elderly, individuals with disabilities, low-income families, and those experiencing homelessness. State and federal legislation play a crucial role in addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by these populations. This paper will focus on the impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) on low-income populations, specifically Medicaid recipients. The ACA, signed into law in 2010, has significantly expanded coverage and improved access to healthcare for this group, subsequently improving health outcomes.

Policy Overview:
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act aimed to expand access to healthcare, improve the quality of care, and reduce healthcare costs for Americans. One key component of the ACA was the expansion of Medicaid, a federal program providing healthcare coverage to low-income individuals and families. Prior to the ACA, Medicaid eligibility varied widely across states, making it difficult for many low-income individuals to access affordable healthcare. Under the ACA, eligibility for Medicaid was expanded to include all individuals with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level, regardless of age, without any categorical restrictions.

Impact on Low-Income Populations:
The impact of the ACA on low-income populations, particularly Medicaid recipients, has been profound. By expanding Medicaid coverage, millions of low-income individuals and families gained access to comprehensive healthcare services. Prior to the ACA, many low-income individuals were uninsured or relied on emergency room care as their primary source of healthcare, leading to delayed and inadequate treatment. The ACA’s Medicaid expansion has reduced this reliance on emergency room care and improved preventative care, resulting in better health outcomes for this vulnerable population.

Firstly, the ACA’s Medicaid expansion has led to a significant increase in the number of low-income individuals with health insurance coverage. According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the ACA’s Medicaid expansion resulted in a 40% decrease in the uninsured rate among low-income adults between 2013 and 2016 (Sommers et al., 2017). This decrease in the number of uninsured individuals has important implications for the overall health and well-being of low-income populations. With health insurance coverage, individuals have greater access to primary care, preventive services, medications, and necessary treatments, leading to improved health outcomes and reduced healthcare disparities.

Secondly, the ACA’s Medicaid expansion has had a positive impact on the utilization of healthcare services among low-income individuals. Before the expansion, many individuals lacked access to affordable primary care, leading to limited preventive services and reliance on expensive emergency room care. Research indicates that Medicaid expansion has increased the use of preventive services, including screenings for chronic diseases, vaccinations, and regular check-ups (Baicker et al., 2013). Increased utilization of preventive care has the potential to identify health issues early on, resulting in early interventions and improvements in overall health outcomes.

Moreover, studies have shown that the ACA’s Medicaid expansion has contributed to improved health outcomes for low-income populations. For example, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that Medicaid expansion reduced mortality rates among low-income individuals aged 20-64 (Miller et al., 2017). The study estimated that for every 1,000 individuals newly insured through the Medicaid expansion, approximately 6.1 deaths were prevented each year. These findings highlight the life-saving potential of expanding Medicaid coverage to low-income populations.

Conclusion:
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion has had a significant impact on improving access to healthcare for low-income populations. By expanding Medicaid eligibility and increasing the number of insured individuals, the ACA has successfully addressed the needs of vulnerable populations, resulting in improved health outcomes. Ensuring access to healthcare for all individuals, regardless of income, is crucial in reducing health disparities and promoting a healthier society. The ACA’s Medicaid expansion serves as an essential cornerstone of legislation addressing the needs of vulnerable populations in the United States.