Welcome to our reflection discussion at the end of the semester.
- INDIVIDUAL ACTIVITY
- Please reflect briefly on the healthcare policy and political topics that most impact you from those covered over the last 15 weeks.
Rationale must be provided
400 words in your post
Minimum of two scholarly references in APA format within the last five years published
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One of the most crucial healthcare policies that have impacted people is the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The ACA is a comprehensive health reform law enacted in March 2010 that aims to improve the quality, affordability, and accessibility of healthcare for all Americans. This policy has been debated extensively in the United States, with opponents arguing that it is a burden on the economy and is not sustainable in the long run. However, supporters of the ACA argue that it is an essential step towards providing universal healthcare coverage for all citizens.
Another significant healthcare policy that has been discussed is the opioid epidemic. The misuse and abuse of opioids have become a major public health crisis in the United States, with tens of thousands of Americans dying each year from opioid overdoses. Healthcare providers and policymakers are working towards finding solutions to this epidemic, including increased access to addiction treatment, education on the dangers of opioids, and regulations on opioid prescriptions.
In terms of political topics, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a significant issue. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of healthcare policies and how they impact public health. The pandemic has also led to debates on the role of the government in healthcare, including the regulation of vaccines, distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE), and the allocation of resources in times of crisis.
In conclusion, the healthcare policy and political topics that have impacted people the most in the last 15 weeks are the Affordable Care Act, the opioid epidemic, and the COVID-19 pandemic. These issues have been the subject of intense debate and discussion and have highlighted the need for comprehensive and effective healthcare policies that prioritize public health and well-being. It is essential that policymakers and healthcare providers continue to work towards finding solutions to these issues to ensure that all citizens have access to quality healthcare.
References:
- Affordable Care Act (ACA). (2020). Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. https://www.cms.gov/CCIIO/Programs-and-Initiatives/Health-Insurance-Marketplaces/affordable-care-act
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). Opioid Overdose Crisis. https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/opioids/opioid-overdose-crisis
- Rosenbaum, S. (2020). The Affordable Care Act in the United States: Reflections on the Past Decade and the Decade Ahead. Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law, 45(6), 977–994. https://doi.org/10.1215/03616878-8630341