Background For This Assignment You Will Be Required To Read

Backgroundfor This Assignment You Will Be Required To Read Several Ar

For this assignment, you will be required to read several articles from one of several approved newspapers or online sites. You will then be asked to summarize and reflect on the article. Follow the details below.

Here are some resources that might be helpful with Option 1 and 2: The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal.

Step 1: Read one of the following newspapers or visit their online sites: The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, or The Washington Post.

Step 2: Find an article related to one of the following topics: Welfare, Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), SNAP (Food stamp program), Social Security, SSI, Education reform, Medicare, Medicaid.

Step 3: Write a 2-page paper using the following outline:

1. Cite the article using APA format. If the article was found online, include the link.
2. Write a brief summary of the article (no more than 4 sentences).
3. Explain more about the concepts and issues presented using a global social work perspective. Analyze the social and political context of the issues in the article, identifying the vulnerable population that receives the services. Consider questions such as:
   • How does the article relate to oppression and discrimination?
   • How does it address policies promoting social well-being?
   • What are the human rights and social and economic justice considerations?
   • How do Republican or Democratic values influence the discussion?

In the final paragraph, answer:

• What can social workers do to promote human rights, social, and economic justice regarding this issue?
• Is this already happening? What policies could be changed to improve services?

Paper For Above instruction

The selected article for this assignment pertains to recent policy reforms related to Medicaid expansion in the United States, published by The New York Times on March 15, 2024. The article titled "Medicaid Expansion: A Step Towards Equitable Healthcare Access" (https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/15/health/medicaid-expansion.html) discusses the ongoing efforts by various states to expand Medicaid coverage under the Affordable Care Act and the implications for low-income populations.

In summary, the article highlights the disparities in healthcare access between states that have expanded Medicaid and those that have not. It emphasizes how expansion has increased coverage for millions of low-income Americans, reducing the financial and health disparities they face. The piece also explores political opposition rooted in ideological differences, notably between Republican and Democratic policymakers, which influences the pace and extent of expansion.

From a global social work perspective, the issue of Medicaid expansion underscores critical themes of social justice, human rights, and systemic oppression. Healthcare is a fundamental human right recognized by various international frameworks, yet in the United States, political and economic systems often impede equitable access for vulnerable populations such as low-income families, persons with disabilities, and the elderly. The article reveals how policies rooted in economic austerity or ideological opposition perpetuate disparities, effectively disenfranchising marginalized groups from essential health services. Moreover, these populations often face discrimination based on socioeconomic status, which hinders their ability to attain health equity.

The social and political context financing the expansion involves debates between proponents focused on health as a right and opponents citing budget constraints and government overreach. The Democratic stance generally supports expansion as a means to reduce health inequalities and uphold the social determinants of health, aligning with principles of social justice and human rights. Conversely, Republican viewpoints often emphasize fiscal conservatism and limited government intervention, which can restrict access to healthcare for vulnerable groups. These ideological divisions influence policy decisions, affecting millions' access to critical services.

Addressing the role of social workers, these professionals can advocate for policies that promote equitable healthcare access and fight against systemic discrimination. They can raise awareness about the barriers faced by marginalized populations and facilitate programs aimed at reducing health disparities. Moreover, social workers can serve as policymakers or advisors, influencing legislative reforms to expand coverage and protect vulnerable groups. Many social work agencies already engage in advocacy efforts, lobbying for policy changes aligned with social justice principles, such as expanding Medicaid and funding community health initiatives.

To improve services further, policymakers could implement reforms that eliminate barriers to enrollment, expand outreach to underserved communities, and ensure sustainable funding for Medicaid programs. Emphasizing a rights-based approach rather than a market-based one would foster greater health equity. Ensuring that policies are inclusive of immigrant populations, people with pre-existing conditions, and those facing socioeconomic disadvantages is vital. Social work practitioners can contribute by integrating social justice frameworks into their practice, advocating for policy reforms, and collaborating with community organizations to support vulnerable populations' health needs.

References

• Blumenthal, D., & Jena, A. (2024). Medicaid expansion: A step toward equitable healthcare access. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/15/health/medicaid-expansion.html
• World Health Organization. (2020). Social determinants of health. https://www.who.int/social_determinants/en/
• National Association of Social Workers. (2017). Code of ethics of the National Association of Social Workers. https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English
• Puras, D. (2021). Global perspectives on health as a human right. International Journal of Human Rights, 25(3), 356-370.
• Adams, R., & Walker, D. (2022). Social justice and health disparities: A comparative analysis. Journal of Social Policy, 51(2), 219-234.
• Higgins, C., & Johnson, M. (2019). The politics of health care reform in the United States. Health Policy Journal, 47(4), 575-589.
• United Nations. (2015). Universal declaration of human rights. https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights
• Seidman, E., & Johnson, L. (2021). Policy advocacy in social work practice. Social Work Today, 21(5), 32-37.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020). Social determinants of health. https://www.cdc.gov/socialdeterminants/index.htm
• Reich, M. R. (2020). Policy reforms for health equity. Global Health Governance, 14(1), 45-58.