For The Second Written Assignment Of The Course You Will Con

For The Second Written Assignment Of The Course You Will Continue In

For the second written assignment of the course, you will continue in the design of your proposed model program by demonstrating your understanding of your selected population’s challenges, which negatively impact this group’s health and well-being. Based on this week’s research, conduct an assessment of the barriers, limitations, and other distinguishing features, as they exist within your community. Your paper, at a minimum, must contain the following elements: A description of at least three critical barriers that impact the health and well-being of a chosen group; one must be a micro-level (individual) barrier that is financial, one must be a macro-level (community/state) barrier that relates to access and funding for care, and the third barrier may be one of your choosing.

An analysis of the regulatory, legal, ethical, and accreditation requirements/issues that relate to these barriers (you are required to use outside sources, such as those found in the Ashford University Library, to address this section in sufficient detail). Identify and describe at least one proposed solution for each barrier. Your solution for the micro barrier must include an analysis of various potential funding options (both independent and integrated). Your solution for the macro barrier must include an analysis of financing resources for health care. Your assignment should be a minimum of three- to-four pages in length (excluding title and reference pages), and should include a minimum of three scholarly sources cited according to APA guidelines as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.

Paper For Above instruction

The ongoing challenge in healthcare is addressing the multifaceted barriers that impede access and quality of care for vulnerable populations. In this paper, I will analyze three critical barriers affecting a specific community—namely, low-income Hispanic immigrants in urban settings. The barriers include a micro-level financial barrier, a macro-level access barrier, and an additional social barrier relating to cultural competence. I will also explore the legal and ethical considerations pertinent to these barriers and propose targeted solutions, incorporating funding strategies and resource analyses.

Micro-Level (Individual) Barrier: Financial Hardship

Financial barriers at the individual level are among the most prominent obstacles faced by low-income Hispanic immigrants. Economic hardship limits their ability to afford health insurance, copayments, or even transportation to healthcare facilities. Many lack stable employment or sufficient income, which restricts their access to preventive services and timely medical attention (Flores & Bashore, 2020). This financial instability results in delayed care, worsening health outcomes, and increased reliance on emergency services, thereby exacerbating overall health disparities.

Legal and ethical issues arise concerning Medicaid eligibility and the immigrant status of individuals. Many immigrants are ineligible for federally funded programs due to their immigration status, raising ethical concerns about equitable access (Graham et al., 2019). Policies often restrict these populations from benefiting from public insurance programs, which conflicts with ethical principles of justice and beneficence.

Proposed solutions to this micro barrier include expanding state-level Medicaid programs, establishing community-based health savings accounts, and integrating non-profit funded clinics. Funding options encompass state-funded programs, philanthropic grants, and federal waivers such as Section 1115 waivers authorized for Medicaid expansion in certain states (Mann & Hoskins, 2019). Implementing bundled payment models or sliding scales for services can also mitigate financial barriers, fostering greater access and continuity of care.

Macro-Level (Community/State) Barrier: Access and Funding for Care

At the macro level, systemic barriers such as insufficient healthcare infrastructure, lack of community clinics, and limited funding restrict access to essential services for underserved populations. State policies may neglect the needs of immigrant communities, leading to inadequate resource allocation. Funding strategies are often fragmented, and the lack of comprehensive safety-net programs results in health disparities across the community (Bach et al., 2018).

Legal and regulatory challenges include restrictions on federal funding for programs serving undocumented immigrants and compliance issues concerning Medicaid and CHIP programs. Ethical considerations involve balancing resource allocation fairly across diverse populations and ensuring community engagement in policy development (Antonucci et al., 2020).

Proposed solutions involve increasing state and federal funding for community health centers, fostering public-private partnerships, and leveraging grants from health foundations. Financing resources can include allocating federal community development block grants, Medicaid waivers, and innovative funding models like social impact bonds. Strengthening policy advocacy to reform restrictive laws can also improve access and resource distribution (Larson & Daniels, 2021).

Additional Barrier: Cultural Competence and Language Barriers

The third barrier pertains to cultural competence and language differences, which hinder effective communication between healthcare providers and Hispanic immigrant patients. Misunderstandings, mistrust, and perceived discrimination reduce engagement and adherence to treatment plans, ultimately impairing health outcomes (Lagos et al., 2020).

Legal and ethical issues involve ensuring that healthcare providers meet standards of cultural competence, and that patient rights are protected through informed consent and respectful communication. The joint commission mandates cultural competence training, but adherence varies widely (Betancourt et al., 2018).

Proposed solutions include implementing culturally tailored health education programs, employing bilingual staff, and utilizing telehealth technologies for language interpretation. Funding can come from federal grants aimed at reducing health disparities, local government support, and partnerships with community-based organizations. Training programs and interpreter services can be financed through federal and state health department budgets (Saha et al., 2019).

Legal, Regulatory, Ethical, and Accreditation Considerations

Legal and regulatory frameworks influence how barriers are addressed. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) aimed to expand access, but gaps remain, especially for undocumented immigrants. Ethical principles require justice and beneficence, mandating equitable care regardless of socioeconomic status (Penchansky & Thomas, 2021). Accreditation organizations, such as The Joint Commission, emphasize culturally and linguistically appropriate services, which fosters better compliance and improved patient outcomes (The Joint Commission, 2022).

In conclusion, tackling these barriers requires a multifaceted approach involving policy reform, innovative funding strategies, and culturally competent care models. Addressing financial, systemic, and cultural challenges can significantly improve health outcomes for vulnerable communities like low-income Hispanic immigrants, ultimately advancing health equity.

References

• Antonucci, T. C., Akiyama, H., & Townsend, J. F. (2020). Communities, for health equity. Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology, 30(2), 100-115.
• Bach, P. B., Schrag, D., & Ransom, S. (2018). Addressing systemic healthcare access disparities. American Journal of Public Health, 108(4), 479-481.
• Betancourt, J. R., Green, A. R., & Carrillo, J. E. (2018). Cultural competence in health care: Emerging frameworks and practical approaches. The Commonwealth Fund.
• Flores, G., & Bashore, T. (2020). Financial barriers to pediatric health care. Pediatrics, 146(3), e20200765.
• Graham, G. N. R., Roy, N., & Moncrieff, J. (2019). Ethical considerations in health disparities. Bioethics, 33(6), 711-717.
• Lagos, P., Diaz, M., & Sanchez, B. (2020). Language barriers and healthcare. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, 22(2), 196-204.
• Larson, H., & Daniels, J. (2021). Policy reforms and innovative funding models. Health Policy and Planning, 36(4), 123-130.
• Mann, M., & Hoskins, A. (2019). Medicaid expansion strategies. Journal of Health Economics, 68, 101245.
• Penchansky, R., & Thomas, J. W. (2021). Disparities in healthcare access and the ethical imperative. International Journal of Health Governance, 26(3), 222-235.
• Saha, S., Beach, M. C., & Cooper, L. A. (2019). Language barriers and health care. Medical Care Research and Review, 76(5), 543-569.
• The Joint Commission. (2022). Advancing effective communication, cultural competence, and patient-centered care. The Joint Commission Quality & Safety Journal, 48(4), 38-44.