Review The Discussion Board Grading Rubric Located Un 792148

Review The Discussion Board Grading Rubric Located Under Course Resour

Review the Discussion Board Grading Rubric located under Course Resources. Discussion responses should be on topic, original, and contribute to the quality of the discussion by making frequent informed references to lesson materials and seminars. Initial discussion responses should be approximately 150 words, while responses to classmates or the instructor should be around 75 words. For this discussion, select a healthcare system issue or topic—such as Medicare prescription drug coverage or access to healthcare for the uninsured. Research and find a professional journal article related to that issue, discuss the key findings of the article, and state whether you believe government regulations helped or hindered the affected population.

Paper For Above instruction

The healthcare system in the United States faces numerous challenges that impact patients, providers, and policymakers alike. One prominent issue is access to healthcare for uninsured populations. According to a 2020 article by Das and Tang (2020), millions of Americans lack insurance coverage, which leads to delayed care, poorer health outcomes, and increased financial burdens. The article examines how government regulations, such as the Affordable Care Act (ACA), aimed to improve access by expanding Medicaid and establishing health insurance exchanges.

The key findings from the article suggest that the ACA significantly increased insurance coverage among low-income populations, reducing the number of uninsured Americans by approximately 20 million from 2010 to 2018 (Das & Tang, 2020). However, the article also notes that gaps in coverage persist in certain states that refused Medicaid expansion, leading to disparities in access. The researchers highlight that regulations like strict Medicaid eligibility requirements and political opposition have hindered efforts to achieve universal healthcare coverage.

In my opinion, government regulations have generally helped the population by reducing financial barriers and increasing access. Despite ongoing challenges, the ACA's implementation represents a crucial step toward a more equitable healthcare system. The expansion of Medicaid and the creation of health insurance marketplaces have provided vital coverage to vulnerable populations, thereby improving overall public health outcomes. Nonetheless, gaps remain, and further regulatory reforms are needed to address persistent disparities.

The role of government regulation in healthcare is complex, involving balancing cost control, access, and quality. While regulations have made meaningful progress, resistance in some states highlights the need for comprehensive federal policies that ensure affordable coverage for all Americans. Effective governance can bridge the remaining gaps, ultimately leading to a more equitable and sustainable healthcare system.

References

  • Das, S., & Tang, S. (2020). Impact of the Affordable Care Act on healthcare access and disparities. Journal of Health Policy, 40(3), 322-335.
  • Blavin, F., Kramarow, E., & Talbert, J. (2019). Medicaid expansion and health outcomes in low-income populations. Health Affairs, 38(4), 578-585.
  • Garfield, R., & Orgera, K. (2020). The number of uninsured Americans is rising. Kaiser Family Foundation. https://www.kff.org
  • Baicker, K., & Finkelstein, A. (2019). The impact of Medicaid expansion on healthcare utilization. New England Journal of Medicine, 381(21), 1991-1993.
  • Rowland, D., & Orenstein, S. (2021). Policy reforms in healthcare: Opportunities and challenges. Journal of Policy Analysis, 50(2), 245-261.