Problems Facing Government: Healthcare and National Security ✓ Solved

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The federal government is responsible for the general welfare and safety of the public. This can be seen in Healthcare Reform and National Security. Both represent a social concern and an issue to be addressed through law and policy. Examining the problems impacting healthcare and national security, solutions can be provided to improve the wellbeing and continuity of the nation.

As many as 28 million Americans have no medical coverage, representing about 10% of the U.S population. The majority are working class adults between the ages of 25 and 45; 12% of the uninsured are children. Addressing the issue of healthcare is a key concern for both citizens and policymakers.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) or Obamacare was passed in 2010. It gave those living below poverty access to medical insurance; ensured preexisting medical conditions did not impact pay and policy; expanded Medicaid, preventive care, mental health, and substance abuse coverage. In 2016, the Trump administration created barriers and limitations to ACA to address problems: individual mandates, weak subsidies, incentives for insurers and buyers, limited access to care.

To maintain the ACA's original framework, all households should pay a cap of 8.5% for medical coverage, as introduced by Sen. Warren. Adding public options to the ACA can reduce rates, as suggested by Sen. Sanders. Alternatively, replacing ACA with healthcare reform would allow insurance sales across states, tax deductions for health premiums, and Medicaid block grants, as introduced by Pres. Trump.

Proposals and actions demonstrated by executive and legislative branches are unviable and do little to address the issue of uninsured Americans. Proposals presented by party minorities provide solutions to a growing problem. However, the best way to address this issue is through collaboration, which requires strong leadership, a clear direction, and consistent policies to raise the level of quality for programs and improve the healthcare sector (Corrigan, Eden, & Smith, 2003).

The need for national security is a foremost responsibility of the federal government (Meese, 2011). The President holds the highest power with full executive authority as commander-in-chief to manage and create security departments. Congress’s primary responsibility to national security is funding national security measures. Departments of national security include ICE, Coast Guard, TSA, DHS, and others.

There are impending threats to national security that include: China and Russia's expansion, Iran and North Korea's military developments, terrorism, artificial intelligence and biotechnology, weapons of mass destruction, and climate change (West, 2019).

The government shutdown lasting from December 22, 2018, to January 25, 2019, was a necessary yet unsustainable course of action as it slowed down intelligence information and counterterrorism responses, highlighting the need for Congress to reach a bipartisan agreement regarding funding. The President has ultimate discretion and makes final decisions in security with no veto or input from Congress. Both executive and legislative branches must collaborate and reopen government to ensure national security.

The government is responsible for the health and safety of its citizens. This is achieved through checks, balances, and powers granted to the branches of government. Congress has a significant role in developing healthcare policy and funding national security, while the President manages the departments of national security. Together, the branches of government address problems and find solutions to concerns facing the nation.

In conclusion, the intertwining issues of healthcare and national security embody major social concerns needing robust policy intervention. With healthcare accessibility as a paramount national discussion and the incessant threats to national security, it is incumbent upon all levels of government to engage in collaborative efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of citizens.

References

  • Bertrand, N. (2019). FBI agents say the shutdown is a threat to national security. The Atlantic. 10 January 2019.

  • Corrigan, J., Eden, J., & Smith, B. (2003). Leadership by example: Coordinating government roles in improving health care quality. The National Academies Press. Washington, D.C.

  • Meese III, E. (2011). Who is responsible for America’s security? The Heritage Foundation. 19 August 2011.

  • West, J. (2019). Top emerging national security threats. Homeland Security Digital Library. 3 January 2019.

  • Gass, Erin & Sorian, Richard. “The Five Healthcare Issues That Will Dominate the 2016 Election.” FleishmanHillard. (2015).

  • Ehley, Brianna. “Four Ways to Help Fix Obamacare.” Fiscal Times. (2014).

  • Lenz, Timothy O. and Mirya Holman. American Government. University Press of Florida. 2013.

  • Brandom, Russell. "Donald Trump Is about to Control the Most Powerful Surveillance Machine in History." The Verge, 14 Nov. 2016.

  • Walpin, Gerald. "We Need NSA Surveillance." National Review. 16 Aug. 2013.

  • ProCon. "Top 10 Pros & Cons: Is the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) Good for America?" ProCon.org. (2015).

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