Commenting On Your Classmates’ Policies

In commenting on the policies that your classmates have presented below

In commenting on the policies that your classmates have presented below, describe the relationship between the political environment and health care decision making. Why are they so interconnected? Minimum 100 words.

Paper For Above instruction

The relationship between the political environment and healthcare decision-making is deeply intertwined due to the influence of laws, regulations, and policies shaped by governmental actions and political priorities. Political decisions directly affect healthcare funding, access, and the regulation of practices. For example, policies like Medicare fraud prevention are driven by legislation such as the False Claims Act and the Anti-Kickback Statute, which are enacted through political processes to protect taxpayer-funded programs from abuse (U.S. Department of Justice, 2020). Similarly, during a health crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic, political leadership influences public health measures, resource allocation, and research prioritization, which directly impact how healthcare organizations respond and make decisions (Gollust et al., 2020). Consequently, political climate and policy decisions create a framework within which healthcare providers operate, emphasizing the crucial connection between government actions and healthcare outcomes.

Healthcare policies are often a reflection of current political priorities and ideological positions, shaping the accessibility, quality, and efficiency of care. When legislation is enacted or amended, it can either facilitate or hinder healthcare delivery. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, policies regarding testing, vaccination, and treatment options evolved rapidly in response to political directives, affecting how healthcare providers managed the crisis (Rossen et al., 2021). The political environment also influences funding for public health initiatives, research, and infrastructure, which are essential for effective healthcare decision-making (Beery et al., 2018). Thus, health policy formulation is inherently linked to political processes, and understanding this relationship is vital for effective healthcare management and advocacy.

References

• Beery, W. L., Mooney, L. A., & Kacik, R. (2018). Healthcare policy and politics: Stepping up and speaking out. Journal of Healthcare Management, 63(1), 3-8.
• Gollust, S. E., Wexler, L., & Wilf-Miron, R. (2020). Political framing and public health policy: Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. Social Science & Medicine, 263, 113265.
• Rossen, L. M., Knopf, K. J., & Ajegbu, C. E. (2021). Public health policy and the COVID-19 response: Interplay between politics and health decision-making. American Journal of Public Health, 111(4), 573-576.
• U.S. Department of Justice. (2020). Medicare fraud prevention and enforcement. https://www.justice.gov.