Section Two: Description And Analysis Of A Policy That Addre

Section Two: Description and Analysis of a Policy that Addresses The S

Identify one existing State or Federal legislative policy that has been ratified to address the problem. Describe the goals of the policy. Describe the legislative history of the policy, including when the policy originated and how (law, court decision, executive order, etc.).

Describe the policy including relevant details: Who will be covered by the policy and what are the criteria for inclusion? What social programs, interventions, or regulations have been or will be implemented as a result of the policy?

Analyze whether the social policy aligns with Biblical principles or conflicts with God’s word, citing relevant scripture(s) to support your claim.

Identify who administers the policy (e.g., non-profit, government agency). Discuss which NASW Code of Ethics values are consistent with this policy. Consider any side effects or unintended outcomes that may cause other social problems, and describe at least one.

Discuss any barriers to the full implementation of the policy, such as lack of funding or resistance from State or political entities, and explain these barriers.

Paper For Above instruction

In addressing societal issues, the implementation of effective policies is crucial for fostering social justice and ensuring equitable resource distribution. One prominent policy that exemplifies a proactive legislative approach is the Affordable Care Act (ACA), enacted at the federal level in 2010. This policy was designed to expand healthcare access, improve health outcomes, and reduce healthcare disparities across populations. Its legislative history traces back to the introduction of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act by President Barack Obama, with subsequent amendments and Senate debates leading to its passage through the House and Senate, culminating in its signing into law on March 23, 2010. The policy originated primarily as a legislative initiative, though it was subsequently shaped and clarified through regulations issued by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

The ACA aimed to increase health insurance coverage by expanding Medicaid eligibility, establishing health insurance exchanges, and mandating coverage for pre-existing conditions. It specifically covers low-income populations, the uninsured, and small business employees, among others. Eligibility criteria include income thresholds, employment status, and state-specific Medicaid expansion decisions. The policy has led to the development of various social programs, such as Medicaid expansion and subsidies for private insurance plans, as well as regulatory interventions like essential health benefits requirements and preventive service mandates without copayments.

From a biblical perspective, the ACA aligns with principles of compassion and justice as emphasized in scriptures such as Proverbs 31:8-9, "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute." By striving to provide healthcare access to marginalized populations, the policy embodies the biblical ethic of caring for the sick and vulnerable. Conversely, some critique it from a theological standpoint, arguing that reliance on government intervention might conflict with personal responsibility emphasized in scriptures like Galatians 6:5, which advocates for individual accountability. Nevertheless, the overarching goal of alleviating suffering resonates with Christian principles of love and charity.

The policy is administered primarily by federal agencies such as HHS, along with state-level Medicaid agencies and private insurers. The NASW Code of Ethics values that correlate with the ACA include service, social justice, and dignity and worth of the person, as the policy promotes equitable access to healthcare and seeks to empower marginalized communities. However, unintended consequences such as increased healthcare costs, administrative burdens, or reduced provider participation may inadvertently hinder access or cause social tensions, thereby creating new challenges.

Implementation barriers include political resistance, especially from those opposing Medicaid expansion at the state level, funding limitations, and administrative complexities. Certain states have opted out of Medicaid expansion due to ideological disagreements, resulting in gaps in coverage and disparities. Furthermore, insufficient funding and infrastructure challenges have hampered outreach and enrollment efforts. Resistance from stakeholders and legislative gridlock often delay or diminish the policy’s full impact, underscoring the need for sustained advocacy and resource allocation to overcome these obstacles.

References

• Blumenthal, D., & Collins, S. R. (2017). Healthcare Coverage, Cost, and Quality in the United States. The New England Journal of Medicine, 377(12), 1209-1211.
• Green, J., & Porter, S. (2012). Ethical Implications of Healthcare Policy: A Biblical Perspective. Journal of Religious Ethics, 40(2), 347-367.
• HHS.gov. (2019). Key features of the Affordable Care Act. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.hhs.gov/healthcare/about-the-aca/index.html
• Kaiser Family Foundation. (2020). Medicaid and CHIP Enrollment Data. Kaiser Family Foundation. https://www.kff.org/medicaid/state-indicator/medicaid-and-chip-enrollment
• NASW. (2021). Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers. https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English
• Proverbs 31:8-9 (NIV). Bible Gateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+31%3A8-9&version=NIV
• Galatians 6:5 (NIV). Bible Gateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+6%3A5&version=NIV
• Sparer, M. S. (2014). The Affordable Care Act and Public Opinion: A Political Analysis. Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law, 39(4), 633-652.
• Thompson, G. (2018). Social Justice and Ethical Leadership. Journal of Business Ethics, 147(2), 237-249.
• Wilson, K., & Auger, P. (2016). Overcoming Barriers to Medicaid Expansion: Political and Structural Challenges. Health Affairs, 35(4), 716-721.