In this Discussion, you will identify a recently proposed health policy and share your analysis of the evidence in support of this policy.

In my analysis of the recent proposed health policy, I will focus on the Medicaid expansion to the low-income population in the states which haven’t yet implemented the Affordable Care Act.

At present, Medicaid has not been expanded in 12 states, leaving millions without affordable health insurance. This policy aims to extend Medicaid to low-income individuals with the goal of improving health outcomes for these people and decreasing healthcare disparities.

The effectiveness of Medicaid in improving health outcomes is well-supported by strong evidence. Multiple studies show that Medicaid expansion leads to increased healthcare access, better self-reported status and lower mortality rates for low-income people (Sommers, et. al. 2017; Ku, et. al. 2017).

Medicaid expansion is also shown to lower uncompensated costs of care for clinics and hospitals, leading to increased financial stability in the health sector and new jobs (Ku and colleagues, 2017).

Medicaid expansion opponents claim that the program is expensive and will increase taxes and government expenditures. Recent studies show that Medicaid expansion has more benefits than costs. In addition, states who have increased Medicaid’s coverage have seen significant savings.

Conclusion: There is compelling evidence that supports the expansion of Medicaid to individuals with low income in those states who haven’t yet expanded Medicaid. It is possible that this policy will improve healthcare and decrease healthcare disparities while also reducing costs and creating jobs in the sector.

References:

Ku, L., Jones, E., Shin, P., & Byrne, F. (2017). The ACA and Medicaid Expansion: Protecting the Nation’s Safety Net and Health Care Workforce. Journal of General Internal Medicine. 32(6). 732-735.

Sommers, B. D., Gunja, M. Z., Finegold, K., & Musco, T. (2017). Changes in self-reported insurance coverage, health and access to care under Affordable Care Act. JAMA, 317(4), 441-443.