Assignment Position Paper Sometimes During Heated Dis 610068

Assignment Position Papersometimes During Heated Discussions And Deb

Analyze a state (Maryland), federal (United States), or global social welfare policy that impacts an at-risk, marginalized, oppressed, underrepresented, or overlooked group. Describe the current policy approach, its goals, the population it covers, funding levels, and their sufficiency. Explain how this policy affects the target population, evaluate whether it meets their needs, and propose specific alternative policies to address any gaps identified. Use at least eight scholarly sources, including government documents and reputable websites, and adhere to APA format, with 5-7 double-spaced pages.

Paper For Above instruction

The social welfare policy landscape is constantly evolving, driven by societal needs, political climates, and economic factors. It is crucial for social work policymakers to maintain a focus on the needs of vulnerable populations amidst heated debates and ideological clashes. This paper examines the Medicaid policy in Maryland, a key component of the United States' social safety net, focusing on its impact on low-income populations and exploring potential improvements.

Overview of Maryland’s Medicaid Policy

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health coverage to low-income individuals and families. In Maryland, the Medicaid program is administered by the Maryland Department of Health, aligning with federal standards but tailored to state-specific needs. The current policy aims to expand access to healthcare, improve health outcomes, and reduce disparities among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. It encompasses various eligibility criteria, including income level, disablement, age, and pregnancy status, aiming to serve a broad spectrum of low-income populations, including children, pregnant women, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.

Policy Goals

The primary goals of Maryland’s Medicaid policy include increasing healthcare access for vulnerable groups, reducing uninsured rates, and promoting health equity. The policy also seeks to improve health outcomes through preventive care, chronic disease management, and mental health services. Recently, efforts have focused on expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to cover more residents and improve service delivery through technological integration and Medicaid expansion initiatives.

Population Covered by the Policy

The Medicaid program in Maryland predominantly covers individuals with income levels at or below 138% of the federal poverty level (FPL). This population includes children, pregnant women, parents, seniors, and persons with disabilities. Notably, undocumented immigrants, a significant subgroup within this low-income population, are largely ineligible for Medicaid, although emergency services are accessible. The demographic diversity within these populations necessitates tailored approaches to ensure equitable access and culturally competent care.

Funding Levels and Sufficiency

Funding for Maryland Medicaid is a combination of federal and state contributions, with federal matching rates varying based on state income levels and specific program components. Maryland’s Medicaid budget is substantial, reflecting its population size and healthcare burden. However, experts argue that funding remains insufficient to fully address emerging health needs, especially for complex chronic conditions, mental health services, and long-term care. Budget constraints can limit the availability of certain services and hinder the ability to expand coverage or improve service quality.

Impact on At-Risk and Marginalized Populations

Medicaid significantly improves health access for low-income and marginalized groups, including racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, and rural residents. It reduces financial barriers, preventing disease progression and promoting preventative care. However, systemic issues such as provider shortages in underserved areas, language barriers, and inadequate cultural competence can limit its effectiveness. Additionally, undocumented immigrants are systemically excluded, leaving a crucial gap depriving some of the most vulnerable from essential health coverage. This exclusion reinforces health disparities and social inequities.

Does the Policy Meet the Needs of the Most Affected?

While Medicaid in Maryland has expanded coverage and improved access, it does not fully meet the needs of all marginalized populations. For instance, undocumented immigrants and those in rural communities face barriers due to geographic isolation, language issues, and eligibility restrictions. Furthermore, gaps in mental health and long-term care services remain unaddressed. The policy’s current funding levels, although substantial, limit comprehensive coverage expansion and innovative program development crucial for populations with complex health needs.

Recommendations for Alternative Policies

To enhance the effectiveness of Maryland’s Medicaid and better serve vulnerable populations, several specific policy recommendations are proposed:

  • Expand Medicaid coverage to undocumented immigrants: Implement state-funded options to provide basic health services, reducing health disparities and promoting societal well-being.
  • Increase funding for mental health and long-term care services: Allocate dedicated resources to address the rising demand for these services, especially among aging populations and persons with chronic illnesses.
  • Enhance culturally competent care and language accessibility: Invest in workforce training and hiring bilingual providers to reduce communication barriers.
  • Develop telehealth infrastructure in rural areas: Increase funding for telehealth initiatives to mitigate geographic disparities and improve access for remote populations.
  • Implement community engagement strategies: Include affected populations in policy development processes to ensure responsiveness to their specific needs and cultural contexts.
  • Increase overall funding levels: Advocate for additional state and federal investments to expand service scope, quality, and accessibility.
  • Improve data collection and research: Use evidence-based approaches to monitor disparities and evaluate policy effectiveness continually.
  • Promote cross-sector collaboration: Foster partnerships between healthcare providers, social services, and community organizations to address social determinants of health comprehensively.

By adopting these recommendations, policymakers can bridge existing gaps and ensure that Medicaid better serves the needs of Maryland’s most vulnerable populations, aligning policy goals with social justice principles and health equity objectives.

Conclusion

Medicaid in Maryland offers a crucial safety net for low-income populations, yet challenges persist in fully meeting the needs of marginalized groups. A strategic combination of increased funding, policy expansion, and culturally competent care can significantly improve health outcomes and reduce disparities. As social workers and policymakers, maintaining a focus on vulnerable populations ensures that social welfare policies effectively promote dignity, health, and social justice, fostering a more inclusive society.

References

  • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2022). Maryland Medicaid State Plan. https://www.medicaid.gov/state-resource-center/maryland
  • Guthrie, B., et al. (2020). Addressing health disparities: Policy considerations for Medicaid expansion. Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law, 45(2), 235-262.
  • Herd, D., et al. (2021). Racial disparities in Medicaid access and quality care. Health Affairs, 40(3), 431-440.
  • Kaiser Family Foundation. (2023). Medicaid Enrollment & Spending Growth: FY 1984–2023. https://www.kff.org/medicaid/medicaid-enrollment-and-spending/
  • Martin, A., et al. (2019). Cultural competence and health equity in Medicaid programs. American Journal of Public Health, 109(S1), S70–S76.
  • Maryland Department of Health. (2023). Maryland Medicaid Program Overview. https://health.maryland.gov/mdh/Pages/medicaid.aspx
  • Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. (2020). Medicaid and CHIP eligibility and enrollment. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
  • Somers, S., & Hinton, E. (2018). Long-term services and supports: Policy gaps and opportunities. The Gerontologist, 58(4), 519-524.
  • Waller, J., et al. (2022). The role of faith and community-based organizations in Medicaid outreach. Social Work in Public Health, 37(1), 45-59.
  • World Health Organization. (2020). Social Determinants of Health. https://www.who.int/social_determinants/en/

Related Assignments