NURS 6050 THE ROLE OF THE RN/APRN IN POLICY EVALUATION

Walden University NURS 6050 THE ROLE OF THE RN/APRN IN POLICY EVALUATION  – Step-By-Step Guide

This guide will demonstrate how to complete the Walden University NURS 6050 THE ROLE OF THE RN/APRN IN POLICY EVALUATION  assignment based on general principles of academic writing. Here, we will show you the A, B, Cs of completing an academic paper, irrespective of the instructions. After guiding you through what to do, the guide will leave one or two sample essays at the end to highlight the various sections discussed below.

How to Research and Prepare for NURS 6050 THE ROLE OF THE RN/APRN IN POLICY EVALUATION 

Whether one passes or fails an academic assignment such as the Walden University NURS 6050 THE ROLE OF THE RN/APRN IN POLICY EVALUATION  depends on the preparation done beforehand. The first thing to do once you receive an assignment is to quickly skim through the requirements. Once that is done, start going through the instructions one by one to clearly understand what the instructor wants. The most important thing here is to understand the required format—whether it is APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.

After understanding the requirements of the paper, the next phase is to gather relevant materials. The first place to start the research process is the weekly resources. Go through the resources provided in the instructions to determine which ones fit the assignment. After reviewing the provided resources, use the university library to search for additional resources. After gathering sufficient and necessary resources, you are now ready to start drafting your paper.

How to Write the Introduction for NURS 6050 THE ROLE OF THE RN/APRN IN POLICY EVALUATION 

The introduction for the Walden University NURS 6050 THE ROLE OF THE RN/APRN IN POLICY EVALUATION  is where you tell the instructor what your paper will encompass. In three to four statements, highlight the important points that will form the basis of your paper. Here, you can include statistics to show the importance of the topic you will be discussing. At the end of the introduction, write a clear purpose statement outlining what exactly will be contained in the paper. This statement will start with “The purpose of this paper…” and then proceed to outline the various sections of the instructions.

How to Write the Body for NURS 6050 THE ROLE OF THE RN/APRN IN POLICY EVALUATION 

After the introduction, move into the main part of the NURS 6050 THE ROLE OF THE RN/APRN IN POLICY EVALUATION  assignment, which is the body. Given that the paper you will be writing is not experimental, the way you organize the headings and subheadings of your paper is critically important. In some cases, you might have to use more subheadings to properly organize the assignment. The organization will depend on the rubric provided. Carefully examine the rubric, as it will contain all the detailed requirements of the assignment. Sometimes, the rubric will have information that the normal instructions lack.

Another important factor to consider at this point is how to do citations. In-text citations are fundamental as they support the arguments and points you make in the paper. At this point, the resources gathered at the beginning will come in handy. Integrating the ideas of the authors with your own will ensure that you produce a comprehensive paper. Also, follow the given citation format. In most cases, APA 7 is the preferred format for nursing assignments.

How to Write the Conclusion for NURS 6050 THE ROLE OF THE RN/APRN IN POLICY EVALUATION 

After completing the main sections, write the conclusion of your paper. The conclusion is a summary of the main points you made in your paper. However, you need to rewrite the points and not simply copy and paste them. By restating the points from each subheading, you will provide a nuanced overview of the assignment to the reader.

How to Format the References List for NURS 6050 THE ROLE OF THE RN/APRN IN POLICY EVALUATION 

The very last part of your paper involves listing the sources used in your paper. These sources should be listed in alphabetical order and double-spaced. Additionally, use a hanging indent for each source that appears in this list. Lastly, only the sources cited within the body of the paper should appear here.

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Sample Answer for NURS 6050 THE ROLE OF THE RN/APRN IN POLICY EVALUATION

I chose the Affordable Health Care Act Policy as this is well-known and has been a big part of the legislation. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) makes affordable health insurance available to more people. The law provides consumers with subsidies and tax credits that lower costs for households with incomes between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level (Affordable Care Act, 2020). Politics plays heavily into policy making and evaluation. A video from Walden University (2018) featuring Joel Teitelbaum shares, “It is clear that politics is playing a vital role in the design of the outset and now the implementation and evaluation of the ACA.” A program could not be successful after many years if it were not being evaluated and adjusted.        

            There have been several ways the ACA has been evaluated over time. After evaluation, the ACA has changed from 2011-2022. The policy will always change as the population grows, presidents change, and the cost rises or falls over time. One of the first ways the policy has been evaluated is by the number of individuals enrolled from 2010 to 2022. The government calls this administrative data and has looked at how many people have enrolled through new health insurance marketplaces or the number of people who have enrolled in Medicaid. As numbers have increased over time, policymakers have assumed success. So, if fewer Americans lack health insurance, it will be a crucial indicator of how well the ACA is working. 

            Administrative data can be limited, so A lot of the policies evaluation has come from surveys over time. In 2014 before federal surveys were allowed, they launched, the Health Reform Survey, this is a quarterly survey of the nonelderly designed to provide timely information on implementation issues under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and changes in health insurance coverage and related health outcomes (Long,2014).  This looked at data, affordability, participation, and healthcare access. It helped give a good visual of implementation success. After that rolled out so did other surveys that had been given to private entities, which ask about health insurance by type of coverage and track changes over time. Another survey that is often a source of health coverage evaluation is the Annual Social and Economic Supplement (ASEC) to the Current Population Survey, which provides socioeconomic and demographic information, including health coverage status, for the non-institutionalized U.S. population (Montero,2022). The surveys look at insurance utilization and insurance status. The survey data received from the U.S. Department of Human Services and Medicare has been used for the evaluation and success of the policy.   

Social determinants weigh heavily in the health world, especially regarding the ACA. The World Health Organization defines social determinants of health as the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age (Abrams,2017). Racism, poverty, unsafe neighborhoods, and lack of education are some of the many social determinants that create health inequity in our country (Leong & Roberts,2013). Not everyone had access to healthcare in 2010 due to the high costs of plans. Poverty greatly affected this over time as money was required to deliver efficient care safely. The Affordable Care Act expansion did lessen the consequences of socioeconomic status and healthcare access by assisting disadvantaged persons in receiving health services. The ACA has been a tremendous help to those falling at or under the poverty level. 

References 

Abrams, M. (2017). Chapter 7 – Social Determinants of Health. Alliance for Health Policy. Retrieved October 19, 2022, from https://www.allhealthpolicy.org/sourcebook/social-determinants-of-health/ 

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2020). Affordable Care Act (ACA). Federal Poverty Level (FPL) – Glossary | HealthCare.gov. Retrieved October 19, 2022, from https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/federal-poverty-level-fpl/  

Leong, D., & Roberts, E. (2013). Social determinants of health and the Affordable Care 

 Act. Rhode Island medical journal (2013), 96(7), 20–22. 

Long , S. (2014). What do we know about ACA implementation? introducing the Health Reform Monitoring Survey. Introducing the Health Reform Monitoring Survey. Retrieved October 20, 2022, from https://www.urban.org/urban-wire/what-do-we-know-about-aca-implementation-introducing-health-reform-monitoring-survey  

Montero,A. (2022). Measuring Changes in Insurance Coverage Under the Affordable Care Act.  

KFF. Retrieved October 19, 2022, from https://www.kff.org/health-reform/poll-finding/5-charts-about-public-opinion-on-the-affordable-care-act-and-the-supreme-court/ 

Walden University, LLC. (Producer). (2018). Introduction to Health Policy and Law with Joel 

Teitelbaum [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author. 

Sample Response for NURS 6050 THE ROLE OF THE RN/APRN IN POLICY EVALUATION

 I like your choice of program for this discussion. The ACA has undergone quite a bit of change as it has changed hands throughout different presidencies. I agree that it has had many positive impacts on people below the poverty line and has led to many becoming insured that could previously not afford to be. I believe that evaluating this program in future years is key as the times change. What was the solution when the program was signed into law may not be the solution in future years. As the program changes hands and different presidents and congress staff changes, hopefully beneficial changes are made to allow this to continue to be a beneficial program. I do not think there is a perfect solution to healthcare, however those in charge must strive to continue to evaluate and amend this program.

References

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2020). Affordable Care Act (ACA). Federal Poverty   Level (FPL) – Glossary | HealthCare.gov.                   Retrieved October 27, 2022, from https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/federal-poverty-level-fpl/

Effect of the Affordable Care Act in Maryland. (n.d.). ballotpedia.org/ Retrieved on 10/27/2022 from                        https://ballotpedia.org/Effect_of_the_Affordable_Care_Act_in_Maryland_(2009- 2017)

Sample Response for NURS 6050 THE ROLE OF THE RN/APRN IN POLICY EVALUATION

I like your post and your views regarding policy evaluation of Affordable Care Act. According to ASPE (office of the Assistant Secretary For planning and Evaluation), “the briefing book features key findings from two dozen reports published” in 2021-2022 to find out the outcomes of ACA success. Also, ASPE further illustrated that mostly reports published by Department of Health and Human Services which collaboratively works with CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) who not only analyze the strategies but also implement those strategies nationwide. They analyze that people after implementation of ACA coverage of the insurance increased from 2016-2019, improving access to preventive services for millions of Americans, interest of population has also increased (ASPE, 2021 March 18). I think comparisons of pre and post implementation of Datas is an effective way to analyze the effectiveness of new policies.   

I agree with you that because of excessive costs people were not able to get coverage and with ACA it makes easier for people under poverty line to get coverage. Another act of Medicare for All Act of 2022, will also overcome the discriminations in which “No person shall, on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, marital status, citizenship status, primary language use, genetic conditions, previous or existing medical conditions, religion, or sex, including sex stereotyping, gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy and related medical conditions (including termination of pregnancy), be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of the program established under this Act (except as expressly authorized by this Act” (Congress. Gov). If this act becomes law, then this health policy will also bring health equity among US residents.   

References  

Congress. Gov (2021-2022). S.4204 – Medicare for All Act of 2022. Retrieved Oct 28, 2022, from https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/4204/text  

 ASPE (Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. (2022, Mar 18). The Affordable Care Act and its accomplishments. Retrieved Oct 28, 2022, from https://aspe.hhs.gov/reports/aca-accomplishments  

Sample Answer 2 for NURS 6050 THE ROLE OF THE RN/APRN IN POLICY EVALUATION

Affordable Care Act (ACA) can also be measured through the promotion of personal well-being. If ACA prevents and relieves pain suffering and disability and minimizes loss of life, then it’s doing what it was designed to do. 

Affordable Care Act can also be measured through its effect on meeting people’s health needs as the disease is usually thought of as an adverse departure from the normal level of functioning. The ACA should therefore help people to maintain or restore normal functioning or to compensate for the inability to function normally. 

Another way ACA is measured is through equitable access. Equitable access could be interpreted as access to whatever an individual needs or benefits from. For instance, if a given level of care is available to one individual, it must be available to all. ACA was designed to ensure that there is equitable access to healthcare for all individuals who enjoy healthcare benefits (Munson & Lague, 2016) 

References 

Milstead, J. A. (2014). Health policy and politics (5th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning. 

Munson, R., & Lague, I. (2016). Intervention and reflection: Basic issues in bioethics (10th ed.). Cengage Learning. 

Sample Answer 3 for NURS 6050 THE ROLE OF THE RN/APRN IN POLICY EVALUATION

In 2011 the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced incentives to promote the use of EHR (AMA, n.d.).  Physicians were informed they must use a certified EHR system and follow the three stages of meaningful use or they will receive less reimbursement from medicare. The MU incentive program is a branch of the HITECH act to improve patient safety, create less paper work, and decrease practice costs, and increase provider productivity and revenue (Chin & Sakuda, 2012).  Physicians were required to meet these 3 stage requirement by 2017 to avoid penalty.  The program has been evaluated by CMS through deadlines over the years since implementation to make sure physicians were compliant.  At the local hospital I work at, which is a 229 bed facility, resistance was shown in the beginning phase of implementation.  The physicians who were older in age fought the implementation of EHR due to not having a broad knowledge of technology.  Once money is dangled over anyone’s head, participation usually becomes easier.  The MU incentive hit our hospital in 2013, with only a small percentage using EHR for CPOE and documentation to now all physicians using the CPOE and EHR.  Our hospital has a team of nurses that evaluate physician’s useage of CPOE and EHR usage.  This department is called Clinial Information Services (CIS).   

In terms of soical determinants, as mentioned before, age of providers is one determinant that played a huge factor in MU cooperation.  Once providers were informed they would receive less payment from CMS they decided to jump on board and learn the technology.  Many providers of older age hired scribes to do their CPOE for them.  The hospital realized that these providers were taking advantage of the scribes and this went against stage 2 of MU implementation.  Safety was a and continues to be a social determinant.  The biggest reason the push was started for the shift to EHR was to decrease the number of injury and death by medical errors.  Not only is it safer, but EHR also allows for patients to take an active role in their own healthcare and enhances provider-patient communication.  Taking that into consideration, edcuation level is a social determinant that plays into EHR systems and MU.  Those with lower levels of education are at a disadvantage of knowing how to use EHR patient portals and systems.  Not only is edcuation level a social determinant for patients but also for physicians who are not educated in the field of technology.  The CMS continues to evaluate meaningul use of providers and facilities that receive payments from medicaid and/or medicare.  Two concepts are looked at when evaluating a program or policy, efficiency and effectiveness (Walden University, 2018).  The CMS continues to evaluate and monitor participation by collecting data from providers and facilities on the efficiency of MU and the effectiveness the incentive has had on pushing providers to use EHR and CPOE for safer practice and increase productivity.   

American Medical Association. (n.d.). Meaningful use: Electronic health record (EHR) incentive programs. https://www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/medicare-medicaid/meaningful-use-electronic-health-record-ehr-incentive 

Chin, B. J., & Sakuda, M. (2012). Transforming and improving health care through meaningful use of health information technology. Hawaii Journal of Medicine & Public Health, 71(4 Suppl 1), pp. 50-55. https://www.ncbi.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3347738/#_ffnsectitle 

Walden University, LLC. (Producer). (2018). The importance of program evaluation [Video file]. Baltimore, MD.  

Sample Response for NURS 6050 THE ROLE OF THE RN/APRN IN POLICY EVALUATION

I have worked at a rural hospital for the past ten years and was also present for the transformation from paper charts to Certified Electronic Health Records (EHR). We also had some physicians that fought the implementation of the EHR. However, when funding was being affected, they quickly went on board. For rural and smaller hospitals, this requirement could be challenging to convert to EHR related to the cost of an EHR system. However, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) addressed this challenge by decreasing reimbursement by 75% in 2017 for hospitals that did not meet this meaningful use unless the hospitals were approved for a hardship. Eligible hospitals could have applied for hardship exceptions to avoid the payment adjustment. Hardship exceptions were granted case-by-case basis and only if CMS determines that requiring an eligible hospital to be a meaningful EHR user would result in a significant hardship (American Medical Association, n.d.; Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 2018). 

References 

American Medical Association. (n.d.). Meaningful Use: Electronic Health Record (EHR) incentive. Retrieved October 27, 2022, from https://www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/medicare-medicaid/meaningful-use-electronic-health-record-ehr-incentive 

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2018, November 16). Fact sheet 2019 Medicare Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive. Retrieved October 27, 2022, from https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2019-medicare-electronic-health-record-ehr-incentive-program-payment-adjustment-fact-sheet-hospitals 

Sample Response for NURS 6050 THE ROLE OF THE RN/APRN IN POLICY EVALUATION

In your response to Dr. Falci’s question, you said that physicians who are not educated in the field of technology are at a disadvantage in knowing how to use Electronic Health Records (EHR) patient portals and systems. 

 I spoke to several old doctors about how they think of the EHR, and they all said that computerized records aren’t as user-friendly as traditional, handwritten notes. In one study conducted by Rand and financed by the American Medical Association (AMA), 30 physicians were interviewed, and the study found the majority of physicians approve of the EHR in principle. However, they also said that EHR technology appeared to significantly worsen professional dissatisfaction and the reasons they gave were: poor EHR usability, time-consuming data entry, interference with face-to-face patient care, inefficient and less fulfilling work content, and inability to exchange information between EHR and the paper chart system. What some doctors have done is have scribes to help with some EHR data entry aspects. This, however, has a disadvantage in that it adds to the overall EHR cost (Rimmer, 2014). 

Despite the results of the Rand study, most healthcare companies are resorting to new technology. One young doctor said,“ for a paper hater like me, it’s a dream”. He went on to say“ you can email your doctor or nurse, get medical records released by simply filling out a short online form, and schedule an appointment or renew a prescription with an iPhone app”. 

References 

Patty Kostkova; ‎Martin Szomszor; ‎David Fowler & . (2012). Electronic healthcare (1st ed.). Springer Nature. 

Rimmer, A. (2014). Why are more patients complaining about their doctors? BMJ, g4839. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.g4839 

Sample Response for NURS 6050 THE ROLE OF THE RN/APRN IN POLICY EVALUATION

Hospital readmission is a current issue in our healthcare due to a lack of access to health insurance and long wait times to see providers. Medicare created a program called the Hospital Readmission Reduction Program (HRRP) that encourages hospitals to improve communication and care coordination to reduce and avoid the need for readmissions (Hospital, n.d.). Within this, hospitals will be financially penalized instead of the patients if they need to be re-hospitalized for an acute myocardial infarction, pneumonia, heart failure, or COPD (McIlvennan et al., 2015). This puts a tremendous financial burden on patients since readmissions are associated with unfavorable patient outcomes and high financial costs (McIlvennan et al., 2015). The criteria used to measure the effectiveness of this program was the data from Health and Human Services from 2007-2011 that show a 30-day readmission rate among Medicare beneficiaries held relatively constant at 19.0-19.5%; in 2012 and 2013, this rate fell to 18.5% and 17.5%, which translates to an estimated 150,000 fewer hospital readmissions between January 2012 and December 2013 (McIlvennan et al., 2015). Although this program has reduced hospital readmissions and increased the quality of care for patients, it has also received criticism. In the original risk-adjustment models, socioeconomic status was not adjusted for, nor was the preexisting measure a preventable event such as repeated MI for drug use history. Overall, the program was a great move in the right direction with reducing healthcare costs for patients and improving quality care for patients, but the social determinants that impact it are a cause for concern. Once a program has been rolled out and surveyed, the evaluation results can polarize communities and lead to a new focus on social or health policies that were unexpected and must be addressed by governmental and healthcare professionals (Milstead & Short., 2019, p.124). For the success in the ongoing progression of this program, further inquiry must be made into the nuanced relationship between readmission rates and socioeconomic factors, which still needs to be included in the risk adjustment methodology (MCIlvennan et al., 2015).

Sample Response for NURS 6050 THE ROLE OF THE RN/APRN IN POLICY EVALUATION

Thank you so much for your post on the Cancer Navigation program. As a breast cancer survivor, I still remember the calls with my nurse navigator in the early days. I asked her the silliest questions, and now that I look back. I was overwhelmed and wanted all the answers before my journey started. She was a secure place to hang on to in all the chaos, and I was grateful. Although my care was in Canada, the role of the program in both countries was about the same. However, after reading Garfield et al. (2022), I found that these programs are not always publicly funded and that Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance do not always pay for navigation services. It never ceases to amaze me which programs insurance deems unworthy of them paying when studies like Lee et al. (2011) state that navigation programs demonstrated better patient outcomes and shorter hospital stays and length of stays, and most importantly, it demonstrated that there was an improved quality of life and patient satisfaction. I will always advocate for navigation programs for cancer patients for those reasons alone. So, thank you for bringing this to my attention.

References 

Garfield, K. M., Franklin, E. F., Battaglia, T. A., Dwyer, A. J., Freund, K. M., Wightman, P. D., & Rohan, E. A. (2022). Evaluating the sustainability of patient navigation programs in oncology by length of existence, funding, and payment model participation. Cancer, 128(S13), pp. 2578–2589. http://doi.org/10.10002/cncr.33932Links to an external site.   

Lee, T., Ko, I., Lee, I., Kim, E., Shin, M., Roh, S., Yoon, D., Choi, S. & Chang, H. (2011). Effects of Nurse Navigators on Health Outcomes of Cancer Patients. Cancer Nursing, 34 (5), 376-384. doi: 10.1097/NCC.0b013e3182025007.

Proposed Health Policy: H.R.1368 – Mental Health Justice Act of 2021

This discussion focuses on the Mental Health Justice Act, introduced to the House on February 25, 2021. A description of the problem’s background aims to provide solutions to healthcare problems. Moreover, an Illustration is written of the social determinant that most affects this policy and an evidence base to support the proposed approach.  

The Mental Health Justice Act of 2021 is a proposed bill to create a grant program for states and local governments to train and dispatch mental health professionals to respond to emergencies involving people with behavioral health needs (US Congress, 2021). Therefore, this bill’s goal is to decriminalize specific public nuisance emergencies based on mental health patients needing attention on how to promote their care. The bill also seeks to compel the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to manage this proposed program in consultation with the Department of Justice (DOJ) (US Congress, 2021). This bill includes canceling grants that increase incarceration, institutionalizing patients, and supporting those that promote de-escalation and anti-racism training in handling mental health issues. 

The bill is proposed against the backdrop of a severe trend of criminalization of mental health issues that often lead victims to be victimized and often institutionalized or incarcerated as a result of public misdemeanors that can be explained by mental health problems (Mental Health America, 2022; Kamin, Weisman, & Lamberti, 2022). For instance, the mental health challenges of patients have often led to criminal charges being filed against patients who need compassion instead of criminalization to help them recover. Fundamental influences of this problem are also based on societal perceptions that public mental breakdowns are the manifestation of deep-seated personal issues. Also, it is self-inflicted, and individuals who are not part of the problem should not be subjected to the public display of the problem (The Commonwealth Fund, 2022; Mental Health America, 2022). This mentality has been considered counter-productive to treating mental health issues as patient influences that the community should handle. 

           The preceding discussion demonstrates that the most critical social determinant that affects this policy is the poor social support networks existing in the community. These poor social support networks have led to criminalizing persons with severe psychiatric disorders (Kamin, Weisman, & Lamberti, 2022; US Congress, 2021). Therefore, this policy is designed and proposed to provide funding for promoting the sensitization of society through training and support of healthcare professionals to enhance their capacity to build a more progressive health outcome. In doing so, the most effective adaptations of health outcomes that proactively support patients with severe psychiatric disorders are considered essential. In light of this understanding, it is necessary to present evidence that aligns with the realities of care and how mental health patients can be supported in the long run (Kamin, Weisman, & Lamberti, 2022).

           Community social networks have a substantial impact on mental health in many ways. Limited sensitization of communities and the absence of orientation of family members impact how mental health patients handle poor health. This is mainly because patients are often ostracized by being placed in institutions or incarcerated when they ‘break the law’ (Mental Health America, 2022; US Congress, 2021). The advent of social media has further exacerbated this problem, further challenging the health outcomes of patients in different settings. It is progressive in building and maintaining the health realities of mental health patients. 

References

Kamin, D., Weisman, R. L., & Lamberti, J. S. (2022). We are promoting Mental Health and Criminal Justice Collaboration Through System-Level Partnerships. Frontiers in Psychiatry, https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.805649/full. 

Mental Health America. (2022). Mental Health and Criminal Justice Issues. Retrieved January 7, 2023, from MHA: https://www.mhanational.org/issues/mental-health-and-criminal-justice-issues 

The Commonwealth Fund. (2022, August 9). What Is Congress Doing to Advance Behavioral Health Reform? Retrieved January 7, 2023, from Commonwealth: https://www.commonwealthfund.org/blog/2022/what-congress-doing-advance-behavioral-health-reform 

US Congress. (2021, February 25). H.R.1368 – Mental Health Justice Act of 2021. Retrieved January 7, 2023, from Congress.Gov: https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/1368 

NURS 6050 Week 3 Politics and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

A review on the efforts to replace or repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA). 

Attempts to repeal or replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA) have been a recurring subject in American politics, reflecting a broader ideological difference on the role of government in healthcare. Proponents of repeal contended that the act was an example of government overreach and excessive regulation that hampered market competitiveness and individual choice. They argued that adopting a free-market approach would result in more efficient and cost-effective healthcare solutions. Opponents of repeal, on the other hand, highlighted the ACA’s substantial accomplishments, such as extending access to healthcare for millions of previously uninsured Americans and providing critical safeguards for people with pre-existing conditions. They contended that repealing the ACA without a competent replacement would leave many vulnerable persons without critical coverage. 

These ACA debates also pointed out the difficulties of healthcare policymaking in the United States, where numerous and linked elements are at play. The efforts to repeal or replace the ACA were firmly founded in political beliefs, public opinion, and the practical repercussions for individuals and the healthcare system (McIntyre & Song, 2019). 

Who are the primary beneficiaries during policy development and within the framework of policy implementation? 

When a health care policy is developed or during their implementation, patients are the major beneficiaries since such policies are aimed at improving access, cost, and quality of care to directly benefit individuals and their well-being. Furthermore, well-designed policies can benefit healthcare providers, industry stakeholders, vulnerable populations, and taxpayers, resulting in a more equitable and efficient healthcare system. Finding the correct balance among these disparate interests, on the other hand, can be a difficult and sensitive undertaking for policymakers as they attempt to optimize healthcare outcomes while managing the financial, social, and political factors connected with healthcare policy development and implementation (Pollack Porter et al., 2018). 

How the cost-benefit analysis in terms of legislators being reelected affected efforts to repeal/replace the ACA. 

Legislators’ concerns about re-election had a significant impact on efforts to repeal or modify the Affordable Care Act (ACA). They were well aware that their attitude on the ACA would be thoroughly scrutinized by those who voted for them. Some voters supported the ACA because it made it easier for them to obtain inexpensive healthcare and protected them from insurance companies that denied coverage due to pre-existing conditions. Others, on the other hand, thought it was too much government engagement in healthcare. So lawmakers had a difficult decision on embracing the repeal to appease certain people while upsetting others, or take a middle-of-the-road strategy to appease a broader group of voters. 

Furthermore, the ACA was a complicated law with numerous interconnected elements. Lawmakers had to consider how changing one component, such as the individual mandate or Medicaid expansion, would affect the entire healthcare system and economy. This intricacy made it difficult for lawmakers to develop a clear plan that satisfied everyone, and it exacerbated divisions and fighting over healthcare policy during the ACA repeal efforts (Schatman et al., 2020). 

How analyses of the voters’ views may affect decisions by legislative leaders in recommending or positioning national policies 

The analysis of voters’ perspectives has a significant impact on legislative leaders’ decisions when recommending or positioning national policies such as Congress’ decisions impacting Medicare or Medicaid. Legislative leaders recognize that gaining the support and trust of the people they represent is critical to their political survival and effectiveness. As a result, when developing and pushing for policy on numerous problems, they pay great heed to their constituents’ preferences and concerns. 

When the preferences of the voters overwhelmingly support specific policy directions, legislative leaders are more likely to support those policies in order to coincide with voter preferences and increase the chances of re-election. On the other hand, going against the majority of voter views on crucial topics might constitute a huge political danger. Legislators understand that neglecting citizens’ opinions can lead to a loss of support, undermine confidence, and threaten their chances of remaining in office. As a result, the need to retain electoral support serves as a tremendous drive for legislative leaders to examine and respect the views of their constituents while making judgments on national policy across multiple domains (Guo, 2020). 

References 

Guo, Q. (2020). The relationship between voting behavior and election commitment: A literature review. Open Journal of Social Sciences, 08(02), 201-210. https://doi.org/10.4236/jss.2020.82016 

McIntyre, A., & Song, Z. (2019). The US Affordable Care Act: Reflections and directions at the close of a decade. PLOS Medicine, 16(2), e1002752. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1002752 

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