Module 3 Backgroundhealth Policies And Vulnerable Populationsrequire ✓ Solved

Module 3 - Background HEALTH POLICIES AND VULNERABLE POPULATIONS Required Reading Berlinger, N., Guidry-Grimes, L., & Hulkower, A. (2017). Knowledge is key for safety-net providers. Health Progress: Journal of the Catholic Health Association of the United States. Retrieved from Hacker, K., Anies, M., Folb, B., & Zallman, L. (2015). Barriers to health care for undocumented immigrants: A literature review.

Risk Management and Healthcare Policy, 8. Available in the Trident Online Library. The Hastings Center. (2017). Undocumented immigrants and health care access in the United States. Retrieved from HHS Office of Minority Health. (2016).

National CLAS Standards, health literacy, and communication [Video file]. Retrieved from National CLAS Standards: National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) in Health and Health Care. Retrieved from Shi, L. (2014). Health policy for diverse populations. In Introduction to health policy , pp. .

Chicago: Health Administration Press. Available in the Trident Online Library. 1 Date: 08/28/2020 Name: Milan Dahal Course: GOVT- Lecturer: Dr. Sharon Manna (North Lake Campus) Constitutional Change In the article “what belongs in a constitution?†Clarifies how constitution has a better role over creating law and legislatures. It examines the three main components which include: governmental structures and relations between the main powers and functions of government; basic values and commitments; and human rights.

According to Gavison (2002), it is easier to regulate the constitution by use of regular laws rather than enacting a perfect one. It continues to justify that democracy and constitutionalism as being a good pair only when they involve effective mechanisms of enforcement. Some of the main principals have been expounded below. Government structures have shown to be among the leading principals of constitutionalism and should be well regulated. Central control of the constitution leads to autonomy by the central government which might be internalized and meddled with (Gavison, 2002).

Secondly constitutionalizing the Bills of Rights has come with many controversies, critics arguing against it stating its violation especially when courts declare laws unconstitutional and rule against their favor. Thirdly, including Basic values and commitments has become harder over the years, it is seen as an important candidate as it promotes cohesion and inclusion of citizens. A great example is Israel. Lastly, on enforcement mechanisms, special courts exist to deal with questions of constitutionality which enhances legitimacy and transparency, the United States model has come to prove this. The author supports regime structure because of institutional stability because it ensures a more complex mechanism of change that would make amendments harder, therefore, give a sense of continuity and tradition.

Even though the bill of rights might bring division than cohesion it is seen as a powerful candidate towards strengthening the constitution. There is not much to add to this article apart from Freedom of speech, which is seen as a fundamental constitutional principle in many countries. People usually misinterpret the complexity of free-speech which has brought about confusion due to misinformation and lack of knowledge of its ins and outs. Free-speech suffers from individual interpretation biased by religion, affiliation, and age. Based on Collingsworth (2002), freedom of speech also constitutes the freedom of the press.

After years of comprehensive research, fake news has had the influence of many events and also affected many lives. If properly managed it can be a tool that supports not only the improvement of people but the countries’ constitution as a whole. Many protests have erupted due to the lack of it. We have witnessed injustices being done where they lack freedom. Enforcement mechanisms have a negative side to which if not correctly enforced leads to human rights violations such as wrongful arrests.

Known governments have been accused in the International Criminal Courts for enforcing personal constitutional agenda. This has been a setback for constitutional growth. For a constitution to thrive transparency and the need for justified enforcement should be in the forefront. Change is Inevitable The US constitution has become outdated over the years. It is one of the oldest constitutions around the world and many democratic institutions have come to adopt new and different constitutions such as the Canadian Charter of rights and freedoms (Liptak, 2012).

In an interview, Professor Law states the availability of newer, sexier, and more powerful operating systems in the constitutional marketplace. There should be a right to education universally. This should guarantee that every student gets an equal chance to education. According to studies, not every student has the resources to secure formal or cheap education. Another important point introduces itself on the side of the availability and professionalism of teachers.

Due to the inaccessibility of schools in remote areas and insecurity many students don’t get the ability to go to schools and also the teachers tend to shun those areas. All students must have equal opportunities to secure such chances. A right to health care should also not only be accessible in the United States alone but to other nations. This includes medical care for diagnosis but treatment for those unable to pay. This should also be extended to subsidies for those requiring special treatment (Collingsworth, 2002).

Affordable health care in the United States alone has proven to be a challenge, with medicine being extremely expensive and professional care for not only youths but the elderly costing enough to bankrupt the recipients of. That is why Obama-care has become a very contentious debate around the country. Lastly, according to American Citizens, the Electoral College has failed them. They believe it is their constitutional mandate to have control over who they vote for and put as their president. Voters have complained of the lack of transparency in the Electoral College many having no background in political science and no idea on who the people behind the scenes conducting the whole procedure are (Shaw, 2008).

It is only right that a countrywide educational awareness be carried out. From the above discussion, the right to education proves to be the most important rectification due. This will make a comparatively big difference in that it touches on all the said topics discussed above. Change can only happen if the continual revision of these factors is seriously considered. References Collingsworth, T. (2002).

The key human rights challenge: Developing enforcement mechanisms. Harv. Hum. Rts. J. , 15 , 183.

Gavison, R. (2002). What belongs in a Constitution?. Constitutional Political Economy , 13 (1), 89-105. Liptak, A. (2012). ’We the People’Loses Appeal With People Around the World. The New York Times , 6 .

Shaw, D. R. (2008). The race to 270: The electoral college and the campaign strategies of 2000 and 2004 . University of Chicago Press.

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Health Policies and Vulnerable Populations

Health policies play a critical role in shaping the well-being of populations, particularly the vulnerable groups that often face barriers to accessing quality health care. Vulnerable populations such as undocumented immigrants, racial and ethnic minorities, the elderly, and economically disadvantaged individuals experience unique challenges that require targeted health policy interventions. The purpose of this essay is to explore the barriers these populations encounter in accessing healthcare, the existing health policies aimed at addressing these barriers, and recommendations for enhancing access to healthcare services.

Barriers to Healthcare Access

Access to healthcare remains a significant issue for many vulnerable populations. According to Hacker et al. (2015), undocumented immigrants face numerous barriers that limit their ability to receive healthcare, including fear of deportation, lack of insurance, and limited language skills. These barriers create a context in which undocumented immigrants often delay seeking medical attention, leading to worse health outcomes. Furthermore, cultural beliefs and mistrust of the healthcare system can exacerbate these access challenges (Hacker et al., 2015; The Hastings Center, 2017).
Similarly, people from racial and ethnic minority groups often encounter systemic inequalities that impede their access to healthcare. These groups are more likely to be uninsured and to receive lower-quality care compared to their White counterparts (Shi, 2014). The social determinants of health, such as education, income, and neighborhood conditions, also significantly impact the ability of these populations to access healthcare services (Shi, 2014).
The elderly population, too, faces distinct challenges, including physical limitations, cognitive impairments, and financial constraints, which can impede their access to necessary healthcare services (HHS Office of Minority Health, 2016). Lack of transportation and difficulty navigating the healthcare system further complicate their ability to access care.

Current Health Policies

A variety of health policies have been enacted to address the needs of vulnerable populations; however, the efficacy of these policies often hinges on their implementation and the political climate surrounding healthcare. The Affordable Care Act (ACA), for instance, expanded Medicaid eligibility and provided subsidies for purchasing insurance, which has benefited a significant number of individuals, including vulnerable populations (Shi, 2014).
Despite these advancements, gaps remain, particularly for undocumented immigrants who are largely excluded from the ACA's provisions (Hacker et al., 2015). Many states have opted not to expand Medicaid, leaving millions without coverage. Moreover, language barriers and cultural insensitivity within healthcare settings can diminish the quality of care that vulnerable populations receive (Berlinger, Guidry-Grimes, & Hulkower, 2017).
The National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) were developed to address some of these challenges by establishing a framework for health services that are respectful of, and responsive to, the cultural and linguistic needs of diverse populations (HHS Office of Minority Health, 2016). However, these standards are not uniformly implemented, leading to variations in healthcare experiences among different populations.

Recommendations for Enhancing Access to Healthcare

To better serve vulnerable populations, several recommendations can be made.
1. Policy Expansion: Expanding Medicaid in states that have not yet done so would significantly increase access to healthcare for low-income individuals, including many vulnerable populations. By providing insurance coverage, individuals would be more likely to seek preventive care and treatment, which could improve overall health outcomes (Shi, 2014).
2. Cultural Competency Training: Healthcare providers should receive training in cultural competency and sensitivity to address the diverse needs of their patients. This training can promote better communication and understanding between providers and patients, helping to build trust and improve healthcare quality (HHS Office of Minority Health, 2016).
3. Community Health Programs: Establishing community health programs that specifically target vulnerable populations can help minimize barriers to accessing care. These programs can provide essential services such as translation, transportation, and health education, effectively addressing some of the obstacles faced by these communities (Berlinger et al., 2017).
4. Outreach and Education: Increasing outreach efforts to inform vulnerable populations about available healthcare services, rights, and navigating the healthcare system is crucial. Public health campaigns should focus on education to empower these communities to advocate for themselves and seek care when needed (The Hastings Center, 2017).
5. Policy Advocacy: Supporting advocacy efforts to protect and expand access to healthcare for vulnerable populations is essential. Engaging stakeholders, including community leaders and grassroots organizations, can amplify these voices and drive policy changes (Shi, 2014).

Conclusion

Health policies directed towards vulnerable populations are essential for fostering equity in healthcare access and addressing systemic barriers. While progress has been made, significant gaps persist that require ongoing attention and innovative solutions. By expanding policy coverage, investing in cultural competency, and strengthening community-based initiatives, we can move toward a more equitable healthcare system that meets the needs of all individuals, particularly those most at risk.

References

1. Berlinger, N., Guidry-Grimes, L., & Hulkower, A. (2017). Knowledge is key for safety-net providers. Health Progress: Journal of the Catholic Health Association of the United States.
2. Hacker, K., Anies, M., Folb, B., & Zallman, L. (2015). Barriers to health care for undocumented immigrants: A literature review. Risk Management and Healthcare Policy, 8.
3. The Hastings Center. (2017). Undocumented immigrants and health care access in the United States.
4. HHS Office of Minority Health. (2016). National CLAS Standards, health literacy, and communication [Video file].
5. HHS Office of Minority Health. (2016). National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) in Health and Health Care.
6. Shi, L. (2014). Health policy for diverse populations. In Introduction to health policy (pp. 1-20). Chicago: Health Administration Press.
7. Liptak, A. (2012). ’We the People’ loses appeal with people around the world. The New York Times.
8. Shaw, D. R. (2008). The race to 270: The electoral college and the campaign strategies of 2000 and 2004. University of Chicago Press.
9. Collingsworth, T. (2002). The key human rights challenge: Developing enforcement mechanisms. Harvard Human Rights Journal, 15, 183.
10. Gavison, R. (2002). What belongs in a Constitution? Constitutional Political Economy, 13(1), 89-105.