The final assignment is Module #2 Current Issues in Health Policy, which is wort

The final assignment is Module #2 Current Issues in Health Policy, which is worth a maximum of 50 points. It is important to understand that Module #2 Current Issues in Health Policy is the first assignment in a series of assignments that will you complete over the next five weeks on the same healthcare issue / topic that you select (in subsequent weeks, you will discuss the state and federal policy actions implemented to address the issue/problem). Therefore, I suggest you select a healthcare issue / problem that interests you.
To start, you need to choose a specific healthcare challenge / topic faced by your local level government that has prompted the implementation of a policy by the local level government. Once you selected a specific healthcare challenge / topic, complete the assignment that contains the following elements:
Define the Problem in your Local Area: Describe the specific issue or problem within your local community that has prompted the implementation of a policy.Word limit: 200 words
You are free to choose any current issue / problem related to health policy that has an impact at your local level
Provide background information on the problem, including its causes and potential consequences.
As a reminder, the focal point of this assignment is on the local level, not the state or nationwide level
To clarify, local level is defined as a city (such as Orlando or Nashville, for example), a county (such as Orange County or Davidson County, for example) or a region (Central Florida or Middle Tennessee, for example)
To receive maximum points, the issue / problem must be clearly defined and include relevant context, statistics, and stakeholders, such that a deep understanding of the local issue is demonstrated
State the Policy: Identify 1 to 3 specific policy actions that have been implemented by the local government to address the identified issue / problem.Word limit: 200 words
To receive maximum points, clearly identify 1 to 3 specific policy actions, provide a concise explanation of each policy and its key components, and how each policy action is intended to mitigate the issue. Well research the policy actions and make sure they are directly related to the defined issue / problem.
Make Your Case: Analyze and present arguments in favor of the selected policy actions taken by the local government.Word limit: 300 words
Consider the stakeholders involved, the political and social context, and any supporting evidence or data.To receive maximum points, make a compelling argument for why these policies were deemed necessary, using critical thinking skills, and incorporate well researched evidence, expert opinions, and / or relevant case studies. The rationale should be clear, persuasive, and effectively support the policy choices implemented
Discuss the Impact of the Policy on Your Local Area: Evaluate the effectiveness and consequences of the implemented policy actions on your local community.Word limit: 300 words
Discuss any notable improvements or drawbacks resulting from the policies.
Consider the perspectives of various stakeholders and provide evidence to support your analysis.To receive maximum points, thoroughly discuss the impact of the policy actions implemented on the local level, including both intended and unintended consequences. The analysis should demonstrate critical thinking and supported by relevant data or examples.
Proofread your paper before submission and ensure that the assignment is well-organized, coherent, and free from grammatical errors. Even though the United States does not have a centrally controlled system of health care delivery, it does have a history of federal, state, and local government involvement in health care and health policy. The formation and implementation of health policy occurs in a policy cycle comprising five components:
Issue raising
Policy design
Public support building
Legislative decision making & policy support building
Legislative decision making and policy implementation
These activities are likely to be shared with Congress and interest groups in varying degrees.
Below are few examples of current issues in health policy but you are not limited to these few. You are free to choose any current issues related to health policy that has an impact at their local, state and federal levels.
Prescription Drug Costs – A quarter of Americans can’t afford necessary prescriptions and may skip doses or otherwise not take medication as prescribed.
High Costs of Healthcare – The United States has one of the highest costs of healthcare in the world.
Availability of Skilled Workforce – The United States needs more than 17,000 additional primary care practitioners, 12,000 dental health practitioners and 8,200 mental health practitioners, according to data from the Health Resources & Services Administration. Those numbers are based on data that HRSA receives from state offices and health departments.
Fee-for-Service Healthcare – FFS means that medical staff bill for each service provided, using established billing codes. The more care a physician provides, the more they’re paid, this can lead to unnecessary tests and treatments.
Health Equity – Why are there disparities in health care outcomes between different populations?
The process establishing new health policy includes defining a problem, collecting data, researching solutions, choosing a course of action, implementing the plan, and evaluating the results. During each step, policymakers must weigh economic, political, social, legal, ethical, and administrative factors.
Minimum of 4 references
Organizational Websites
Health Policy Institute of OhioLinks to an external site.
The Urban Institute – Health Policy CenterLinks to an external site.
Brookings – Center for Health PolicyLinks to an external site.
National Academy for State Health PolicyLinks to an external site.
Kaiser Family FoundationLinks to an external site.
Robert Wood Johnson FoundationLinks to an external site.