In the United States, there have been discussions in regards to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) and other actions that in recent years President(s) have overstepped their bounds in regards to their role in Executive powers. Discuss the Presidential role in health policy and discuss if you believe the President has overstepped his Executive power boundaries in reference to PPACA. Support your assertions with evidence from the literature. Must have 300 words and 2 scholarly cited sources. No plagarism.
The role of the President in health policy in the United States is a significant and highly debated topic. The President plays a crucial role in shaping health policy through the implementation of initiatives and legislation. The passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) in 2010, also known as Obamacare, further showcased the President’s involvement in healthcare decisions. However, whether or not the President has overstepped his Executive power boundaries with regard to the PPACA is a complex question that requires careful analysis.
The President’s role in health policy can be traced back to the early 20th century with the establishment of the Food and Drug Administration and the enactment of the Social Security Act. These initiatives laid the foundation for the President’s involvement in healthcare. Over the years, Presidents have continued to shape health policy through executive orders, regulations, and the use of executive power.
One example of the President’s use of executive power in health policy is the creation of the Medicare and Medicaid programs in 1965 under President Lyndon B. Johnson. These programs provided healthcare access to vulnerable populations, showcasing the President’s ability to influence health policy through executive action. Similarly, in recent years, Presidents have used executive orders to expand access to healthcare through initiatives such as allowing individuals to stay on their parents’ insurance until the age of 26 and protecting individuals with pre-existing conditions.
The passage of the PPACA under President Barack Obama marked a significant shift in health policy. The PPACA aimed to expand access to healthcare and increase affordability by implementing reforms such as the individual mandate and the creation of health insurance exchanges. These reforms faced significant political opposition and legal challenges, with critics arguing that the President had overstepped his executive power boundaries.
One of the key criticisms of the President’s role in the PPACA was the use of executive orders and regulations to make changes to the law without Congressional approval. For example, in response to the challenges faced by individuals who were unable to keep their existing healthcare plans due to the new requirements under the PPACA, President Obama allowed insurance companies to continue offering these plans for an extended period. Critics argue that this action exceeded the President’s authority and undermined the legislative process.
However, supporters of the President’s actions argue that he used his executive power to address practical challenges and implement necessary reforms. They contend that the complexity of healthcare policy necessitated flexibility and adaptability, which the President provided through executive action. Additionally, they argue that the PPACA went through an extensive legislative process and that the President’s actions were justified in ensuring the law’s successful implementation.
In conclusion, the Presidential role in health policy in the United States is a complex and evolving subject. The President has significant power to shape health policy through executive action, as demonstrated by the passage of the PPACA. While critics argue that the President has overstepped his executive power boundaries with regard to the PPACA, supporters believe that his actions were necessary and within his authority. Further analysis and examination of the literature are necessary to fully evaluate the extent to which the President may have overstepped his Executive power boundaries in reference to the PPACA.