Assignment: Legislation Grid and Testimony/Advocacy Statement
As a nurse, how often have you thought to yourself, If I had anything to do about it, things would work a little differently? Increasingly, nurses are beginning to realize that they do, in fact, have a role and a voice.
Many nurses encounter daily experiences that motivate them to take on an advocacy role in hopes of impacting policies, laws, or regulations that impact healthcare issues of interest. Of course, doing so means entering the less familiar world of policy and politics. While many nurses do not initially feel prepared to operate in this space effectively, the reward is the opportunity to shape and influence future health policy.
To Prepare:
Select a bill that has been proposed (not one that has been enacted) using the congressional websites provided in the Learning Resources.
The Assignment: (1- page Legislation Grid; 1-page Legislation Testimony/Advocacy Statement)
Part 1: Legislation Grid
Based on the health-related bill (proposed, not enacted) you selected, complete the Legislation Grid Template. Be sure to address the following:
Determine the legislative intent of the bill you have reviewed.
Identify the proponents/opponents of the bill.
Identify the target populations addressed by the bill.
Where in the process is the bill currently? Is it in hearings or committees?
Part 2: Legislation Testimony/Advocacy Statement
Based on the health-related bill you selected, develop a 1-page Legislation Testimony/Advocacy Statement that addresses the following:
Advocate a position for the bill you selected and write testimony in support of your position.
Describe how you would address the opponent to your position. Be specific and provide examples.
At least 2 outside resources and 2-3 course specific resources are used.
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Part 1: Legislation Grid
Bill Name: H.R. 1346 – Medicare Buy-In and Health Care Stabilization Act of 2019
Bill Number: H.R. 1346
Legislative Intent: The legislative intent of H.R. 1346 is to create a Medicare buy-in option for individuals between the ages of 50 and 64, and to stabilize the individual health insurance market.
Proponents/Opponents: Proponents of the bill include individuals and groups that support expanding access to healthcare, such as AARP and the National Nurses United. Opponents of the bill include some Republicans in Congress, as well as interest groups that are opposed to government involvement in healthcare.
Target Populations: The target populations addressed by the bill are individuals between the ages of 50 and 64 who do not have access to employer-sponsored health insurance, and those who purchase insurance on the individual market.
Current Status: The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 14, 2019, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. As of my knowledge cutoff, no further action has been taken on the bill.
Part 2: Legislation Testimony/Advocacy Statement
I am writing in support of H.R. 1346, the Medicare Buy-In and Health Care Stabilization Act of 2019. As a nurse, I believe that access to affordable healthcare is a basic human right and that this bill would go a long way in achieving that goal.
The Medicare buy-in option proposed in this bill would provide a much-needed coverage option for individuals between the ages of 50 and 64 who do not have access to employer-sponsored health insurance. This population is particularly vulnerable to high healthcare costs, and the ability to buy into Medicare would greatly reduce their financial burden.
Additionally, the stabilization of the individual health insurance market would help to ensure that all individuals have access to affordable, comprehensive coverage. This is especially important given the current instability of the individual market caused by the repeal of the individual mandate and other actions taken by the current administration.
I understand that some may argue that this bill represents an expansion of government involvement in healthcare and that it could lead to higher taxes. However, I would counter that investing in healthcare is a worthwhile expense and that the benefits of this bill far outweigh the costs. Additionally, the Congressional Budget Office estimated that the bill would lower the federal deficit by $158 billion over a decade.
In conclusion, I strongly support H.R. 1346 and urge Congress to take swift action on this important piece of legislation.
References:
National Nurses United. (2019). NNU supports Medicare buy-in, public option for all. Retrieved from https://www.nationalnursesunited.org/press/nnu-supports-medicare-buy-in-public-option-for-all
AARP. (2019). AARP supports H.R. 1346, the Medicare Buy-in and Health Care Stabilization Act of 2019. Retrieved from https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/government-elections/info-2019/medicare-buy-in-health-care-stabilization-act-hr-1346.html
Congressional Budget Office. (2019). H.R. 1346 – Medicare Buy-In and Health Care Stabilization Act of 2019. Retrieved from https://www.cbo.gov/publication/55526
