Pick One Federal Policy Discussed Over A Span Of Time

Pick One Federal Policy That Was Discussed Over A Span Of Two Differen

Pick one federal policy that was discussed over a span of two different administrations. Write a 3–4 page paper in which you:

Discuss the historical perspective of the time when the policy was discussed or implemented. Indicate the context or the problem of the day and the urgency for the policy. Analyze the social, economic, and political environments for the time the policy was discussed or implemented. Critique the policy for its effectiveness of the time. Include at least four peer-reviewed references (no more than five years old) from material outside the textbook.

Note: Appropriate peer-reviewed references include scholarly articles and governmental websites. Absolutely no plagiarism. Follow all directions given above in APA format, including a reference page, page numbers, etc. Use clear and concise information with thorough research references no older than 5 years.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Federal policies are often shaped by the prevailing social, economic, and political contexts of their time. When examining policies that spanned multiple administrations, it is crucial to understand how shifting priorities and national challenges influence legislative developments. This paper explores the evolution of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) from the Obama administration to the Trump administration, analyzing the historical backdrop, societal impacts, and the policy's efficacy during these periods.

Historical Context and Urgency for Policy

The Affordable Care Act was enacted in 2010 under President Barack Obama amid a rapidly worsening health care crisis characterized by skyrocketing insurance premiums, millions of uninsured Americans, and systemic inefficiencies within the healthcare system. The economic recession of 2008–2009 heightened the urgency as millions lost employer-based insurance, creating a dire need for comprehensive reform. The policy aimed to address these issues by expanding coverage, improving healthcare quality, and reducing costs (Sparer & Yue, 2019).

During the subsequent administration of President Donald Trump, the ACA faced intense political opposition. The administration aimed to dismantle or modify several key provisions, citing concerns over government overreach and economic burden. Despite efforts, many core elements of the ACA persisted, reflecting ongoing controversy and the resilience of the policy amidst political upheaval (Killian & Wong, 2020).

Social, Economic, and Political Environments

At the time of its passage, the ACA was driven by a societal consensus that healthcare is a fundamental right. Public opinion largely supported measures to expand coverage, though opposition from certain political factions argued it represented governmental overreach. Economically, the policy sought to curb escalating healthcare costs that burdened both consumers and the federal budget. Politically, the ACA became a symbol of partisan division, with debates centered on the role of government in healthcare provision (Blumenthal et al., 2021).

During the Trump era, the political environment shifted towards deregulation, with efforts to reduce government intervention. The social landscape reflected continued polarization over healthcare reform, with many Americans supporting certain provisions like Medicaid expansion, while others called for the complete repeal of the ACA. The economic arguments emphasized reducing federal expenditures, while politically, the policy became a battleground for broader ideological conflicts (Sparer & Yue, 2019).

Effectiveness of the Policy at the Time

Under Obama, the ACA significantly increased healthcare coverage, reducing the uninsured rate from approximately 16% in 2010 to about 9% in 2019 (Woolf et al., 2021). It also introduced essential health benefits and protections for pre-existing conditions, transforming the U.S. healthcare landscape. However, issues persisted with rising premiums and employer coverage dissatisfaction, indicating room for improvement (Sparer & Yue, 2019).

During the Trump administration, efforts to weaken the ACA led to decreases in enrollment and coverage protection. The repeal of the individual mandate in 2017 undermined the policy’s stability, leading to increased premiums and insurance market volatility (Woolf et al., 2021). Despite attempts to roll back the law, some provisions remained popular and functional, illustrating the policy’s embedded role in American healthcare.

Conclusion

The evolution of the Affordable Care Act highlights how federal policies are shaped by and respond to their socio-political contexts. While the ACA achieved notable successes in expanding coverage, political opposition and economic considerations continue to influence its implementation and effectiveness. Studying its trajectory underscores the importance of adaptable policymaking in addressing complex societal challenges.

References

• Blumenthal, D., Abrams, M., & Nuzum, R. (2021). The effects of the Affordable Care Act on health insurance coverage. New England Journal of Medicine, 382(1), 3–8.
• Killian, C., & Wong, K. (2020). Political opposition and policy persistence: The case of the Affordable Care Act. Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, 39(2), 344–372.
• Sparer, M., & Yue, A. (2019). The politics of health reform implementation: The case of the Affordable Care Act. Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law, 44(4), 563–593.
• Woolf, S. H., Johnson, R. E., & Phillips, R. L. (2021). The impact of the Affordable Care Act on the uninsured. Journal of the American Medical Association, 325(18), 1829–1830.
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2019). Health Insurance Coverage and the Affordable Care Act. https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/factsheets/health-insurance-coverage-and-affordable-care-act