Position paper for week 9 | SOCW 6051 – Diversity, Human Rights, and Social Justice | Walden University

Health Care Policy

The requirements, services, and benefits associated with federal programs vary from one geographic area to another. Such variation may result in consumer confusion and difficulties in understanding and accessing needed health care services.

This week, you examine the impact of health care policy’s evolution on Medicaid and Medicare programs, analyze your state’s Medicaid policies, and determine the stakeholders in health care policy development for your state. You also identify individuals who represent “at-risk,” marginalized, or oppressed populations and investigate the impact of these policies from the perspective of select populations.

Learning Objectives

Students will:

• Analyze the impact of health care policy’s evolution on Medicaid and Medicare programs
• Analyze state Medicaid policies for possible amendment
• Analyze stakeholders in health care policy development
• Identify individuals who represent “at-risk”, marginalized, or oppressed groups in society
• Analyze the impact of policy from the perspective of marginalized populations
• Analyze current social policy related to a social issue
• Evaluate funding levels associated with a specific welfare policy

Photo Credit: Science Photo Library / Brand X Pictures / Getty Images

Learning Resources

Note: To access this week’s required library resources, please click on the link to the Course Readings List, found in the Course Materials section of your Syllabus.

Required Readings

Acker, Gila M. (2010). How social workers cope with managed care. Administration in Social Work, 34(5), 405–422.
Note: Retrieved from Walden Library databases.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Retrieved November 14, 2013, from http://www.ahrq.gov

Concannon, L. (2009). Developing inclusive health and social care policies for older LGBT citizens. British Journal of Social Work, 39(3), 403–417.
Note: Retrieved from Walden Library databases.

Position Paper

Sometimes, during heated discussions and debates about social policy, the underlying reasons for the policy go unnoticed. Advocates and policymakers may become so committed to their perspectives and to winning the debates that they lose focus on the larger context surrounding an issue. The purpose of policy is to improve the lives and well-being of individuals and groups in our society. As you assume the role of a social work policymaker, consider the importance of keeping the needs and experiences of vulnerable populations at the forefront of your mind in your advocacy efforts. This can help to assure effective policy practice.

For this Assignment, you will analyze a state, federal, or global social welfare policy that affects an at-risk, marginalized, oppressed, underrepresented, or over looked group population. Finally, consider the impact of social policy from the perspective of the group you selected.

By Day 7

Assignment (5-7 double-spaced pages, APA format). In addition to a minimum of eight scholarly references, which may include electronic government documents and reputable websites, your paper should include:

• A description of the current policy approach for addressing the social issue you selected
• A description of the current policy goals for addressing the social issue you selected
• A description of the population the current policy approach covers
• An explanation of the funding levels for the current policy approach and whether they are sufficient to address the issue
• An explanation of how this policy may affect at-risk, marginalized, underrepresented, overlooked, or oppressed populations. Identify a specific at-risk population.
• An analysis of whether or not the policy meets the needs of the population groups most affected by the policy.
• Recommendations for alternative policies that would address the gaps identified in the policy. Please be specific in recommendations.

Position Paper