Discuss What You Believe Is The Relationship Between Health

Discuss What You Believe Is The Relationship Between Health Policy A

Discuss what you believe is the relationship between health, policy, and health policies. Select a healthcare-related policy that you feel directly has impacted the way you live. Describe the policy and history related to the establishment of the policy. Provide examples of how this policy you chose has impacted you and whether you believe the policy has been a benefit or burden to you. Share your findings related to the policy you choose. Put citations at the end.

Paper For Above instruction

Health, policy, and health policies are interconnected components that significantly influence individual and population well-being. Health refers to the overall physical, mental, and social well-being of individuals, while policy pertains to the laws, regulations, and guidelines formulated by governments or institutions to achieve specific health objectives. Health policies comprise the strategic frameworks and actionable plans designed to guide health system operations and influence health outcomes. These elements are closely intertwined; health policies serve as the tools to shape social determinants of health, regulate healthcare delivery, and allocate resources, ultimately affecting health at both individual and societal levels.

Among numerous health policies, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), enacted in 2010, has had a profound impact on my life. The ACA aimed to reduce the number of uninsured Americans, improve healthcare access, and regulate insurance practices. Its establishment was driven by the escalating healthcare costs, disparities in access, and the need to reform a fragmented healthcare system. The law introduced key provisions such as the expansion of Medicaid, the creation of health insurance marketplaces, and the prohibition of denial of coverage based on pre-existing conditions. The history of this policy reflects bipartisan efforts to address systemic issues within the U.S. healthcare system, with debates surrounding its implementation and scope continuing to evolve.

The ACA has directly impacted my healthcare access and financial stability. Prior to the policy's enactment, I experienced difficulties in affording health insurance, which led to a reluctance to seek medical care until emergencies arose. After the ACA’s implementation, I gained access to affordable health insurance through the marketplace, significantly reducing my financial burden and allowing me to receive preventive services and regular check-ups. The policy has served as a benefit by promoting early detection and management of health issues, thus potentially preventing more severe health complications. Conversely, some aspects, such as increased insurance premiums or mandated coverage requirements, posed initial burdens, but overall, the law has expanded my access to essential healthcare services.

My experience illustrates that health policies like the ACA play a crucial role in shaping individual health trajectories. The policy not only enhanced my access to healthcare but also increased awareness of health maintenance and prevention strategies. Moreover, the broader societal benefits include reduced disparities and improved health outcomes among marginalized populations. However, ongoing political debates highlight the importance of continuously refining such policies to balance cost containment, coverage, and quality of care. Ultimately, health policies serve as vital instruments in aligning healthcare systems with the goal of equitable and effective health for all.

References

  • Garfield, R., Orgera, K., & Damico, A. (2020). The Uninsured: A Primer. KFF. https://www.kff.org
  • Finkelstein, A., & McGlynn, E. (2013). The Impact of the Affordable Care Act on Health Insurance Coverage. New England Journal of Medicine, 369(16), 1570-1572.
  • Bai, G., & Anderson, (2016). Impact of the Affordable Care Act on Healthcare Access and Spending. Journal of Health Economics, 45, 234-248.
  • Obama, B. (2016). United States Health Care Reform: Progress to Date and Next Steps. JAMA, 316(5), 525–532.
  • Collins, S. R., & Gunja, M. (2019). How the Affordable Care Act Changed the Insurance Market. The Commonwealth Fund. https://www.commonwealthfund.org
  • Levitt, L., & Bui, A. (2018). Effects of the Affordable Care Act on Health Disparities. Health Affairs, 37(6), 925-932.
  • Courtemanche, C., & Marton, J. (2017). The Impact of Obamacare on Cancer Diagnoses. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 31(4), 143–166.
  • Kaiser Family Foundation. (2023). The Impact of the Affordable Care Act. https://www.kff.org
  • Sommers, B. D., & Gawande, A. (2017). Who Benefits from the Affordable Care Act? Insights from Enrollment Data. NEJM, 377(13), 1272-1274.
  • Jha, A. K., & Pollack, L. (2019). Addressing Healthcare Inequities Through Policy. Health Policy Journal, 123(10), 897–906.

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