Saint Leo University Graduate Business Studies HCM590 Health

Saint Leo Universitygraduate Business Studieshcm590health Policy Poli

Explore and analyze health policy, legislative process, and health reform in the United States. The course examines key issues in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and other major areas of health policy such as Medicare, Medicaid, disparities, medical liability, and international comparisons. It assesses legislative processes and partisan politics, evaluates organizational structures and payment reforms, critiques current policies and reforms, and prepares students to advocate for health reform and needed changes.

The course aims to develop skills in analyzing legislative processes, understanding key health policies, evaluating organizational and payment reforms, critiquing policies, advocating for reforms, and applying core university values including community, responsible stewardship, and integrity.

Students participate in discussions, complete module assignments such as essays, policy summaries, memos, and advocacy letters, and take exams including a midterm on Medicare reform and a final policy paper. The course fosters professional competencies in critical thinking, systems and strategic thinking, leadership, ethics, communication, and community orientation, aligned with the Health Leadership Competency Model of the National Center for Healthcare Leadership.

Paper For Above instruction

In this paper, I will analyze the current landscape of U.S. health policy, focusing on the legislative process, key reforms including the Affordable Care Act, and emerging trends in organizational and payment systems. I will critique existing policies, explore advocacy strategies, and propose recommendations for future health reforms, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, ethical standards, and responsible stewardship in advancing a sustainable and equitable health system.

The evolution of health policy in the United States has been characterized by complex legislative processes influenced by partisan politics, institutional interests, and public opinion (Longest, 2019). The enactment of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) exemplifies a significant shift towards expanding coverage and controlling costs; however, its implementation has faced ongoing political resistance and administrative challenges (Sommers et al., 2015). A comprehensive understanding of these processes is essential for effective policy advocacy and reform initiatives.

The legislative process involves multiple stages—from drafting and committee hearings to amendments and voting—dominated by partisan debates that often reflect broader ideological divides (McDonough & Rousseau, 2010). Partisanship can impede consensus, delay reforms, and undermine policy stability. Despite these challenges, bipartisan efforts have occasionally yielded successful reforms, especially in areas like Medicaid expansion and public health preparedness (Chernew et al., 2018). Students must understand these dynamics to navigate the policy environment effectively.

Key reforms such as Medicare and Medicaid have evolved substantially over decades to address changing healthcare needs. Currently, efforts focus on payment reform approaches like value-based purchasing and alternative payment models designed to improve quality and reduce costs (Briss et al., 2014). The shift from fee-for-service to population-based care necessitates organizational restructuring and technological advancements that support coordinated, patient-centered approaches (McCarthy et al., 2017). Critically evaluating these reforms involves assessing their impact on access, quality, and financial sustainability.

Emerging organizational structures, including Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) and Patient-Centered Medical Homes (PCMHs), aim to foster integrated care delivery. Payment reforms aligned with these structures incentivize improved outcomes while controlling spending (Fisher et al., 2012). However, implementation barriers such as data sharing limitations, provider alignment, and regulatory complexities remain significant. Strategic evaluation of these models highlights their potential and challenges in transforming healthcare delivery.

Advocating for effective reform requires strategic communication, coalition building, and the ability to analyze policy implications critically. Engaging stakeholders—including providers, patients, payers, and policymakers—is crucial for fostering consensus and sustaining reform efforts (Shortell et al., 2014). Moreover, integrating the core values of community and responsible stewardship into advocacy efforts ensures that reforms align with ethical principles and societal needs (Becker & Detmer, 2016).

Future policy development should prioritize health equity by addressing disparities and social determinants of health. Data-driven approaches, community participation, and culturally competent care are vital components of sustainable reforms (Braveman et al., 2011). As health professionals, students must develop skills in analyzing policy impacts, communicating effectively, and leading change initiatives that promote equity and efficiency within the healthcare system.

In conclusion, understanding the intricate legislative processes, current reforms, and organizational innovations is essential for engaging in meaningful health policy advocacy. By applying critical, systems, and strategic thinking aligned with the core values of community, stewardship, and integrity, future health leaders can contribute effectively to designing policies that are equitable, sustainable, and responsive to societal needs.

References

• Becker, L., & Detmer, D. (2016). Leadership and multicultural competence in health care. Journal of Healthcare Leadership, 8, 61–66.
• Braveman, P., Egerter, S., & Williams, D. R. (2011). The role of social determinants in promoting health equity. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 40(1), S41–S49.
• Briss, P. A., Nelson, D. E., & Williams, C. L. (2014). Payment reform and value-based purchasing: Implications for healthcare organizations. Health Affairs, 33(7), 1170–1178.
• Chernew, N., Burke, M., & Levitz, D. (2018). Bipartisan health policy reforms: Opportunities and hurdles. Public Policy Review, 12(3), 45–58.
• Fisher, E. S., Goodman, D. C., & Skinner, J. (2012). The impact of new care models on quality and efficiency. The New England Journal of Medicine, 367(1), 91–93.
• Long, J. (2019). Understanding health policy and systems. Oxford University Press.
• McCarthy, D., Wierstra, R., & Melnick, G. (2017). Organizational redesign for payment reform: Strategies and challenges. Healthcare Management Review, 42(2), 148–155.
• McDonough, J. E., & Rousseau, D. (2010). Politics and health policy: Navigating partisan divides. Journal of Public Health Policy, 31(4), 423–430.
• Sommers, B. D., Gunja, M., & Finegold, K. (2015). Changes in insurance coverage, access, and affordability among US adults after Medicaid expansion. JAMA Internal Medicine, 175(9), 1464–1473.
• Shortell, S. M., Kimball, R., & Liu, J. (2014). Leading reform in healthcare organizations: The importance of stakeholder engagement. Journal of Healthcare Management, 59(4), 250–261.