HCA320 Assignment Mod 2: Healthcare Coverage Gap ✓ Solved

Hca320 Assignment Mod 2: Assignment: Healthcare Coverage Gap The ACA was

Create a PowerPoint presentation addressing the healthcare coverage gap problem, who is impacted, the role of the ACA, reasons to close the gap, and solutions/recommendations. Include a selected state opposed to Medicaid expansion with reasons, and consider your own state’s benefits and drawbacks of Medicaid expansion.

Define the coverage gap as a problem/issue. Discuss how it impacts low-income healthcare consumers. Explain the role of the ACA in either widening or closing this gap. Address why closing the gap is important for positive social change. Present solutions to close the gap and how healthcare equity can assist in this effort.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The healthcare coverage gap is a significant problem within the United States healthcare system, particularly affecting low-income populations in states that oppose Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This presentation explores the nature of this gap, its impact on vulnerable populations, the role of the ACA, and potential solutions to bridge the divide, emphasizing the importance of healthcare equity and social justice.

Objectives

The primary objectives of this presentation are to:

  • Define and analyze the healthcare coverage gap.
  • Identify populations impacted by the gap.
  • Examine the role of the ACA in relation to the coverage gap.
  • Discuss why closing the gap is essential for social equity and health outcomes.
  • Explore solutions and strategies to close the gap, improving healthcare access for all.

Medicaid Expansion and Its Variability

Medicaid expansion under the ACA was designed to extend coverage to more low-income individuals by increasing eligibility thresholds. However, not all states opted to expand Medicaid, citing reasons such as budget concerns, ideological opposition, and skepticism about federal funding sustainability.

For instance, Texas is a notable state opposed to expansion, largely due to policy debates around government interference and concerns about long-term state costs (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2023). Conversely, states like California and New York adopted expansion, resulting in broader healthcare coverage for their low-income residents (Merrill et al., 2022).

The Healthcare Coverage Gap: Definition and Challenges

The coverage gap refers to the segment of low-income individuals who do not qualify for Medicaid nor can afford private insurance, often earning too much to qualify for expanded Medicaid but not enough to afford marketplace plans. This results in a significant number of uninsured individuals in non-expansion states, leading to limited access to healthcare services, poorer health outcomes, and increased reliance on emergency care (Blavin et al., 2021).

Impact on Low-Income Healthcare Consumers

The uninsured face barriers such as delayed care, inability to afford prescription medications, and higher out-of-pocket costs. These barriers often result in worsening chronic conditions, preventable hospitalizations, and increased health disparities among low-income populations (Gordon et al., 2020). Children, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic illnesses are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of the coverage gap.

The Role of the ACA in Widening or Closing the Gap

The ACA aimed to reduce the coverage gap by expanding Medicaid and establishing health insurance exchanges with subsidies. However, the Supreme Court decision in 2012 made Medicaid expansion optional for states, leading to disparities. In expansion states, the ACA has successfully increased coverage, while non-expansion states continue to face persistent gaps (Cox & Irvin, 2019). The ACA’s effectiveness in closing the gap largely depends on state-level policy decisions.

Why Closing the Coverage Gap Is Critical for Social Change

Addressing the healthcare coverage gap is vital for advancing social equity, reducing health disparities, and improving population health outcomes. Closing this gap can contribute to economic savings by decreasing emergency care reliance and fostering healthier communities. Additionally, equitable healthcare access upholds fundamental human rights and promotes social justice (Braveman & Bean, 2021).

Strategies and Solutions to Bridge the Coverage Gap

Effective solutions include expanding Medicaid in all states, increasing subsidies for marketplace insurance, and implementing policies that reduce cost barriers. Moreover, integrating healthcare equity initiatives, such as culturally competent care and community-based outreach, can improve access among underserved populations (Bach & Gozu, 2022).

Implementing a universal healthcare approach is a more ambitious but impactful solution that ensures coverage for all individuals regardless of income or state of residence (World Health Organization, 2023). Federal incentives, policy reforms, and collaborative efforts among stakeholders are essential components of closing the coverage gap permanently.

Recommendations for Policy and Practice

Recommendations include:

  • Mandating Medicaid expansion nationwide, regardless of state preferences.
  • Increasing public awareness and enrollment assistance programs.
  • Enhancing affordability through subsidies and cost-sharing reforms.
  • Promoting healthcare equity through targeted interventions in underserved communities.
  • Fostering partnerships among government, healthcare providers, and community organizations to address social determinants of health.

Conclusion

The healthcare coverage gap remains a critical barrier to achieving health equity in the United States. While legislative and policy efforts, particularly under the ACA, have made significant strides, disparities persist in non-expansion states. Closing this gap requires concerted efforts, policy reforms, and a commitment to social justice. Ensuring healthcare access for all is essential for building healthier, more equitable societies.

References

  • Bach, P. B., & Gozu, A. (2022). Addressing health disparities through policy reform. Health Affairs, 41(2), 210-218.
  • Blavin, F., et al. (2021). Impact of Medicaid expansion on the uninsured population. American Journal of Public Health, 111(3), 456-464.
  • Braveman, P., & Bean, S. (2021). Health equity and the social determinants of health. Journal of Public Health Policy, 42(4), 487-501.
  • Cox, C., & Irvin, M. (2019). Effects of Medicaid expansion decisions on health outcomes. Health Policy, 123(5), 522-530.
  • Gordon, P., et al. (2020). Barriers to healthcare access for low-income populations. Medical Care Research and Review, 77(6), 561-574.
  • Kaiser Family Foundation. (2023). State Medicaid Expansion Decisions. Retrieved from https://kff.org/medicaid/state-indicator/state-activity-around-expanding-medicaid-under-the-aca/
  • Merrill, C., et al. (2022). Medicaid expansion and health coverage improvements. Public Health Reports, 137(1), 24-35.
  • World Health Organization. (2023). Universal health coverage. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/health-topics/universal-health-coverage#tab=tab_1

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