Using as reference: Title: Health Policymaking in United States Edition: 6th (2015) Author: Longest Publisher: ACHE Book ISBN: 978-1-56793-719-0 In not less than 150 words Research a current health policy of your choice and discuss why you find it relevant to you personally and the population. You may also discuss any changes you would make to the policy. Please provide justification for the change.
Title: Analysis of a Current Health Policy: Relevance and Proposed Changes
Introduction:
In the current landscape of healthcare, policymakers face numerous challenges in formulating effective health policies to ensure the well-being of the population. This analysis will focus on a current health policy and evaluate its relevance to both the personal context and the wider population. Additionally, potential changes to the policy will be proposed along with justifications for these modifications.
Current Health Policy: The Affordable Care Act (ACA)
The Affordable Care Act (ACA), signed into law in 2010, has been a significant policy initiative aimed at improving access to healthcare services for millions of Americans. The ACA introduced several vital components, including the expansion of Medicaid, the creation of health insurance marketplaces, and the prohibition of insurance discrimination based on pre-existing conditions.
Relevance to Personal Context and Population:
The ACA is highly relevant to both individuals and the population as a whole due to its impact on healthcare accessibility and affordability. Personally, as a student pursuing an advanced degree, I recognize the importance of having adequate health insurance coverage. The ACA’s provision allowing dependents to stay on their parents’ insurance plans until the age of 26 has been particularly beneficial to many young adults, including myself.
Moreover, the ACA has had a significant impact on the entire population by reducing the number of uninsured Americans. According to a report by the Kaiser Family Foundation, the uninsured rate fell from 16.0% in 2010 to 8.8% in 2016, indicating a substantial improvement in access to healthcare services for millions of individuals. This increased coverage has led to improved health outcomes, reduced healthcare disparities, and a decreased burden on emergency departments.
Proposed Changes and Justifications:
While the ACA has made significant strides in enhancing healthcare access, it is not without its limitations. Here, I propose two changes to the policy that could further improve its effectiveness.
1. Increased Subsidies for Middle-Income Individuals:
One modification to the ACA would involve increasing the subsidies available to middle-income individuals. Currently, subsidies are mainly allocated to low-income individuals, leaving many middle-income Americans struggling to afford health insurance premiums. By expanding the subsidy eligibility criteria, more individuals in the population will be able to afford comprehensive health coverage, thus improving overall access and equity.
This proposed change is justified by the growing affordability issues faced by middle-income individuals. The rising costs of health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket expenses can create financial strain, especially for those who do not qualify for subsidies under the current system. By providing additional financial assistance, the proposed change would alleviate the burden on middle-income Americans and contribute to a more equitable healthcare system.
2. Enhancing Provider Network Adequacy Requirements:
Another change to consider involves strengthening the provider network adequacy requirements within the ACA. Provider network adequacy refers to the availability and accessibility of healthcare providers within an insurance plan’s network. Insufficient network adequacy can limit individuals’ choice of healthcare providers and lead to barriers in accessing necessary care.