MODULE 2 DISCUSSION RESPONSES: POLICY AND ADVOCACY
Christina Stoddard,
The Affordable Care Act instituted in 2010 was significant in improving the health of all Americans and contributed to the achievement of Health People goals 2020 (Glied, & Jackson, 2017). I agree with you that ACA improved health across all populations. This was attained by increasing the number of insured citizens by paying for fines or premiums. The government made this possible by availing more markets where the citizens can acquire their medical insurance. Politics indeed play a significant role in the implementation of healthcare initiatives. The legislators have to discuss the proposed agendas, and voting is done to make a verdict.
The appeal of ACA had a high impact on health outcomes. The legislators must make wise decisions by considering all the pros and cons of appealing the Act. They should apply a general approach in establishing policies and implementing health care reforms that satisfy the needs of all citizens and not only the rich. The health professionals must be involved in the appeal as they are well conversant with the needs of the individuals, families, and the community.
References
Glied, S., & Jackson, A. (2017). The future of the Affordable Care Act and insurance coverage. American journal of public health, 107(4), 538-540.
Kiana Giles,
The Affordable Care Act appeal will cause difficulty in meeting healthcare needs, especially low-income families. I agree with you that despite the foreseen advantages in changing to a Universal Health Cover, over 24million individuals will be left uninsured due to revoke of their health cover. Most legislators can cast a vote in favor of being re-elected without looking at the consequences of their decisions. Evidence indicates that, when ACA is repealed, most older people between the age of 56-69 years will be left uninsured, resulting in increased mortality cases due to chronic illnesses.
There has been a rise in a political debate concerning the appeal of ACA to a more comprehensive cover. However, it will result in the state losing federal funding, revoking free preventive services, and people paying high premiums to be insured (Jost, 2017). Consequently, it resulted in poor health outcomes and low-income people losing their medical cover. Meaning then the proposed medical covers will only benefit the high-status families and increase health disparities among the vulnerable groups.
References
Jost, T. (2017). Examining the House Republican ACA repeal and replace legislation. Health Affairs Blog, 7.