Share Your Values Regarding Access To Health

In 500700 Words Share Your Values Related To Access To Health Care

In 500—700 words, share your values related to access to health care, and your thoughts about the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which may be repealed. In your initial post, refer at least one article related to your entry from a reputable newspaper (can be online) or other media source that is current within one month and post the link. Respond to some of the issues below in your initial post. Please do not list the questions, and do not answer each one separately. Synthesize your response in several paragraphs.

Paper For Above instruction

Access to quality healthcare is a fundamental human right, intricately tied to individual dignity, societal equity, and public health outcomes. My core values regarding healthcare access are rooted in the belief that everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, or geographic location, deserves equitable opportunity to achieve optimal health. This perspective is driven by the understanding that health disparities not only harm individuals but also destabilize communities and impede economic growth. Therefore, I advocate for a healthcare system that prioritizes inclusivity, affordability, and accessibility.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), enacted in 2010, represented a significant stride toward these ideals by expanding insurance coverage and implementing protections for those with pre-existing conditions. It aimed to reduce the number of uninsured Americans, promote preventive care, and curb excessive healthcare costs. In deriving my views on the ACA, I recognize its successes, such as decreasing the uninsured rate by over 50 million Americans and fostering innovations like Medicaid expansion in many states. However, I also acknowledge ongoing challenges, including persistent coverage gaps, high out-of-pocket costs for some individuals, and political efforts to repeal or undermine its provisions.

My perspective on healthcare is influenced by recent media reports highlighting ongoing debates about the future of healthcare reform. For instance, a recent article in The New York Times discusses the potential repercussions of repealing the ACA, emphasizing that millions could lose coverage and vital protections. These concerns underscore my belief that access to healthcare should be viewed as a moral imperative rather than a privilege. Healthcare disparities are glaring; marginalized communities often encounter barriers such as transportation issues, language barriers, and lack of health literacy, all of which diminish their ability to access necessary services.

Imbibed within my values is the conviction that policy must be rooted in compassion, justice, and evidence-based practices. This entails advocating for policies that extend coverage to the uninsured, lower prescription drug prices, and invest in community health initiatives. It is vital to recognize that healthcare is not solely about treating illnesses but also about preventing them and promoting holistic well-being. The ACA's emphasis on preventive care aligns well with this approach, although further reforms are needed to eliminate remaining hurdles such as high deductibles and limited provider networks.

Furthermore, I believe that healthcare access intersects with broader social determinants of health, including income, education, housing, and environmental factors. Addressing these determinants requires a comprehensive approach that integrates healthcare policy with social policies aimed at reducing poverty and inequality. For example, expanding Medicaid in states that have not yet done so could significantly improve health equity by providing coverage to low-income populations. Such measures resonate with my principle that health equity is essential for a just society.

In contemplating the future of healthcare policy amidst current political volatility, I am concerned that repeal efforts might undo the progress made under the ACA, reversing gains in coverage and protections for vulnerable groups. A recent analysis from The Washington Post further elaborates on how policy reversals could threaten health outcomes for millions, especially in the wake of other crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. As a proponent of universal, accessible healthcare, I emphasize the importance of bipartisan efforts to improve and sustain healthcare reforms rather than dismantle them.

In conclusion, my values regarding access to healthcare center on equitable treatment, social justice, and the belief that health is a fundamental human right. While the ACA has made notable strides, ongoing advocacy and policy reform are necessary to close remaining gaps and address structural inequities. Ensuring that healthcare promotes well-being rather than perpetuating disparities is essential for building healthier, more resilient societies.

References

• The New York Times. (2023). The Future of Healthcare: What Repealing the ACA Would Mean for Millions. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/15/health/aca-repeal-impact.html
• The Washington Post. (2023). How Policy Changes Could Undermine Health Coverage in the U.S. https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2023/03/10/aca-repeal-consequences/
• American Medical Association. (2022). Principles of access to quality healthcare. https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/patient-empowerment/principles-access-quality-healthcare
• World Health Organization. (2021). The Importance of Universal Health Coverage. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/universal-health-coverage
• Kaiser Family Foundation. (2022). Status of State Medicaid Expansion Decisions. https://www.kff.org/medicaid/issue-brief/status-of-state-medicaid-expansion-decisions/
• Institute of Medicine. (2013). The Future of the Public’s Health in the 21st Century. National Academies Press.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Social Determinants of Health. https://www.cdc.gov/socialdeterminants/index.htm
• Health Affairs. (2023). Addressing Social Determinants to Improve Population Health. https://www.healthaffairs.org/do/10.1377/hblog20230315.750270/full/
• National Academy of Medicine. (2020). Integrating Social Care Into Healthcare. https://www.nationalacademies.org/our-work/integrating-social-care-into-healthcare
• Ginsburg, P. B., & O'Neill, C. (2017). Medicare for All: A Bipartisan Approach to Solve Healthcare’s Cost Crisis. New England Journal of Medicine, 377(4), 301-303.