In a Microsoft Word document of 4-5 pages formatted in APA style, you will imagine you are going to make a visit to your representative in Congress. There are two parts to this assignment.
Address the following topics:
Develop a one-page document that supports your position on the AHCA that you would leave with your representative or his or her aide when you make your visit.
This one-pager, also called a leave behind, should state your position clearly in bullet points and give your reasons why your position is preferred.
This leave behind should have 1 inch margins and utilize 14-point font throughout.
If you were making this visit in person, you would present your leave behind to the person with whom you speak during your visit.
Include a second page that describes your rationale for the position in your leave behind page supported by at least two journal articles.
Write a two-page brief to describe the scenario surrounding your legislative visit. Understanding the political affiliation of your representative, include answers to the following:
Was your member in support or in opposition to the AHCA?
State three points that you would cover in support or opposition to your representative's position.
How does your nursing experience influence the advocacy position that you take on the AHCA?
Full Answer Section
- Protections for Consumers: The ACA includes provisions that protect consumers from discriminatory practices and excessive costs.
- Improved Quality of Care: The ACA has led to improvements in the quality of care, including increased preventive care and better coordination of services.
Part 2: Rationale and Supporting Evidence
Rationale for Supporting the AHCA:
The ACA has had a significant positive impact on the health and well-being of Americans. By expanding coverage, improving access to care, and protecting consumers, the ACA has helped to address longstanding health disparities and improve the overall health of the population.
Supporting Evidence:
- Increased Insurance Coverage: According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the number of uninsured Americans decreased significantly after the implementation of the ACA. This expansion of coverage has led to improved health outcomes and reduced financial hardship for many families.
- Improved Quality of Care: Studies have shown that the ACA has led to improvements in the quality of care, including increased preventive care, better coordination of services, and reduced hospital readmissions. For example, a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that the ACA's provisions for preventive care were associated with a significant reduction in mortality rates.
Legislative Visit Scenario
Representative's Position: Assume the representative is a Republican who opposed the AHCA.
Three Points in Support of the ACA:
- Expanded Coverage: Emphasize the importance of affordable health insurance for all Americans and the positive impact that the ACA has had on reducing the uninsured rate.
- Essential Health Benefits: Highlight the value of the ACA's essential health benefits, which ensure that people have coverage for necessary services, regardless of their income or health status.
- Protections for Consumers: Discuss the importance of the ACA's consumer protections, such as the prohibition of pre-existing condition exclusions and the requirement for health insurers to cover preventive services without cost-sharing.
Nursing Experience and Advocacy Position:
As a nurse,
I have witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by patients who lack access to affordable healthcare. The ACA has made a significant difference in the lives of many of my patients by providing them with the coverage they need to get the care they deserve. My experience as a nurse has reinforced my belief in the importance of universal health coverage and the need to protect and strengthen the ACA.
Sample Answer
Create a 4-5 page APA-style document addressing the Affordable Care Act (AHCA).
Part 1: Leave Behind Document
Position Statement: I strongly support the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and believe that it is essential for ensuring access to affordable and quality healthcare for all Americans.
Reasons for Support:
- Expanded Coverage: The ACA has significantly expanded health insurance coverage, reducing the number of uninsured individuals and improving access to care.
- Essential Health Benefits: The ACA mandates that health insurance plans include a set of essential health benefits, ensuring that people have coverage for necessary services.