Assume that you the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the president has asked you for one policy recommendation to improve the U.S. health care system. You can pick a proposal that requires legislation OR an executive order. You must articulate why you think this proposal is the best use of resources and political capital to improve the health system and health outcomes in the U.S.
Use this space to provide specific guidelines for students to follow. Please see the sample below.
Your policy memo should have seven sections:
- Action Forcing Event – 1-3 sentences
- Statement of the Problem – 3-5 sentences
- Background/History -- ~ 1 page
- Proposal – 3-5 sentences
- Policy Analysis ~ 1 page
- Political Analysis ~ 1 page
- Recommendation – 1-2 sentences
It should be no longer than 5 pages
Full Answer Section
The United States has the highest rate of uninsurance among developed countries, with over 30 million people lacking adequate health coverage. This lack of coverage has a significant negative impact on health outcomes. Uninsured individuals are less likely to receive preventive care, more likely to delay or forgo necessary treatment, and more likely to experience financial hardship due to medical bills.
- Expanding Coverage through Existing Programs
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has made significant progress in expanding health insurance coverage, but millions of people remain uninsured. This executive order would build on the ACA's success by expanding eligibility for Medicaid, the government health insurance program for low-income individuals. Medicaid expansion has been shown to be very effective in reducing uninsured rates, and it is a cost-effective way to expand coverage.
- Promoting Health Equity
Lack of health insurance is a major contributor to health disparities in the United States. Minorities, low-income individuals, and people with disabilities are more likely to be uninsured than whites, high-income individuals, and people without disabilities. Expanding access to affordable health insurance would help to address these disparities and promote health equity.
- Improving Health Outcomes
Studies have shown that expanding health insurance coverage leads to improved health outcomes. For example, one study found that Medicaid expansion was associated with a 12% reduction in mortality rates among nonelderly adults.
- Leveraging Executive Order Authority
While comprehensive healthcare reform would require legislation, the President can take significant steps to expand health insurance coverage through executive order. For example, the President could direct HHS to issue new regulations that make it easier for people to enroll in Medicaid and other health insurance programs.
- Building on Existing Infrastructure
The United States already has a well-established healthcare system and a robust insurance industry. Expanding access to affordable health insurance would leverage this existing infrastructure to improve the health of millions of Americans.
- Cost-Effectiveness
Expanding access to affordable health insurance would be a cost-effective way to improve health outcomes. Studies have shown that the benefits of expanded coverage outweigh the costs.
- Political Feasibility
Expanding access to affordable health insurance is a popular policy proposal with bipartisan support. An executive order to expand coverage would be a significant step forward, and it would build momentum for further action.
Conclusion
Expanding access to affordable health insurance is a critical step toward improving the health of all Americans. This executive order would be a bold and effective way to address the uninsured population, promote health equity, and improve health outcomes. I urge the President to issue this executive order as soon as possible.
Sample Answer
Policy Recommendation: Expanding Access to Affordable Health Insurance
As the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), I am recommending that the President issue an executive order expanding access to affordable health insurance to all Americans. This proposal is the best use of resources and political capital to improve the health system and health outcomes in the United States for the following reasons:
1. Addressing the Uninsured Population