NURS 6050 Politics and The Affordable Care Act Research Paper
Description
Regardless of political affiliation, individuals often grow concerned when considering perceived competing interests of government and their impact on topics of interest to them. The realm of healthcare is no different. Some people feel that local, state, and federal policies and legislation can be either helped or hindered by interests other than the benefit to society.
Consider for example that the number one job of a legislator is to be reelected. Cost can be measured in votes as well as dollars. Thus, it is important to consider the legislator’s perspective on either promoting or not promoting a certain initiative in the political landscape.
To Prepare:
Review the Resources and reflect on efforts to repeal/replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Consider who benefits the most when policy is developed and in the context of policy implementation.
Post an explanation for how you think the cost-benefit analysis in terms of legislators being reelected affected efforts to repeal/replace the ACA. Then, explain how analyses of the voters views may affect decisions by legislative leaders in recommending or positioning national policies (e.g., Congress’ decisions impacting Medicare or Medicaid). Remember, the number one job of a legislator is to be re-elected. Please check your discussion grading rubric to ensure your responses meet the criteria.
RUBRIC
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The cost-benefit analysis in terms of legislators being reelected played a significant role in the efforts to repeal/replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The ACA, also known as Obamacare, was a highly controversial policy that had a significant impact on the healthcare industry and the population it serves. Many legislators, particularly those in conservative-leaning states, felt that the ACA was too expensive and that the cost of providing healthcare to more people would be too great.
Additionally, many legislators felt that the ACA would not be popular with their constituents and that opposing the ACA would be a more politically expedient decision. This political calculation was likely influenced by the fact that the ACA’s expansion of Medicaid was not implemented in all states, leaving some states with a large number of uninsured residents.
The analyses of the voters views also affected decisions by legislative leaders in recommending or positioning national policies. For example, Congress’ decisions impacting Medicare and Medicaid, two of the largest healthcare programs in the country, are heavily influenced by the views of voters. Medicare and Medicaid are popular programs that are widely supported by the public, and legislators are often reluctant to make changes to these programs that may be seen as harmful to the people they serve.
The cost-benefit analysis in terms of legislators being reelected and the analyses of the voters views have a significant impact on the development and implementation of healthcare policies. Legislators must balance the need to be reelected with the needs of their constituents and the wider population they serve. As a nurse advocate, it is important to stay informed about these political considerations and to engage with legislators to ensure that policies are developed and implemented in a way that benefits the public.
