Should undocumented immigrants be included or excluded from ✓ Solved

Read the four articles below. Should undocumented immigrants be included or excluded from national proposals for health insurance? Why? Also discuss your stance on national insurance plans in general. Justify your position by referring to course readings, videos, or other relevant sources. Remember that views differ on this contentious issue—don't be afraid to present and defend your position. You may need to reference the chapters in the book on health insurance and economics. Your initial post should be at least 400 words. Please be sure to validate your opinions and ideas with citations and references in APA format.

Paper For Above Instructions

The question of whether undocumented immigrants should be included in national proposals for health insurance is both complex and contentious. Advocates for inclusion argue that providing healthcare access to undocumented immigrants is not only a moral imperative but also a practical one. According to Bustamante et al. (2018), access to healthcare significantly improves health outcomes among immigrant populations. Conversely, opponents contend that including undocumented immigrants may overburden the healthcare system and create additional financial strain (Galarneau, 2011). This essay will discuss the merits and drawbacks of including undocumented immigrants in national health insurance proposals and provide a viewpoint on national insurance plans in general.

In recent years, the healthcare needs of undocumented immigrants have garnered attention. Many undocumented individuals often forego essential medical care due to fears of deportation or inaccessibility of services. This reluctance can exacerbate public health issues, particularly regarding communicable diseases and preventive care (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2015). For instance, untreated conditions can lead to more severe health problems that ultimately require more costly interventions, thus increasing the burden on the healthcare system. By including undocumented immigrants in national health insurance, the government could facilitate a more proactive approach to healthcare, which could ultimately reduce overall healthcare expenditures.

Moreover, the moral aspect of excluding undocumented immigrants from health insurance cannot be overlooked. Many argue that healthcare is a fundamental human right, regardless of immigration status. Suárez-Orozco (2017) highlights the psychological and developmental consequences that lack of access to healthcare imposes on children in undocumented households. By denying these individuals access to health services, society inadvertently perpetuates inequalities and hinders social justice efforts. Access to healthcare has far-reaching implications, including improved public health outcomes and increased productivity among immigrants, which ultimately benefits society as a whole.

However, there are significant concerns related to including undocumented immigrants in national health insurance plans. Critics argue that such inclusion could lead to increased costs for taxpayers. While proponents of inclusion assert that preventive care will ultimately save money, the initial financial implications could be substantial. Galarneau (2011) questions whether the healthcare system can afford to accommodate the additional demand that may arise if undocumented immigrants were to gain coverage. It raises an important discussion about the sustainability of health insurance programs when faced with an already strained system.

In contemplating overall national insurance plans, one must consider how such plans can evolve to be equitable and inclusive. While traditional models often have limitations, a reformed system that takes into account the needs of all residents, including undocumented populations, could lead to more comprehensive social health strategies. For example, adopting a single-payer model that covers all individuals, regardless of immigration status, could minimize administrative costs and streamline service delivery (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2015). Additionally, achieving health equity requires policies that confront the barriers faced by underserved populations.

In conclusion, while there are valid concerns regarding the inclusion of undocumented immigrants in national health insurance proposals, the potential benefits of improved health outcomes and public health must be critically examined. The moral imperative to provide care should guide policy decisions, striving towards a system that acknowledges healthcare as a right rather than a privilege. National insurance plans should aim for inclusivity, recognizing the value that all individuals bring to society, regardless of their immigration status.

References

• Bustamante, A. V., Chen, J., McKenna, R. M., & Ortega, A. N. (2018). Health care access and utilization among US immigrants before and after the affordable care act. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health.
• Galarneau, C. (2011). Still missing: Undocumented immigrants in health care reform. Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, 22(2).
• National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2015). Health status and access to care. In The integration of immigrants into American society. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
• Suárez-Orozco, C. (2017). Conferring disadvantage: Behavioral and developmental implications for children growing up in the shadow of undocumented immigration status. Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, 38.
• American Public Health Association. (2019). Health equity and social justice.
• Kaiser Family Foundation. (2020). Health care coverage for immigrants.
• World Health Organization. (2018). World health statistics 2018: Monitoring health for the SDGs.
• Institute of Medicine. (2001). Crossing the Quality Chasm: A New Health System for the 21st Century.
• Rosenbaum, S. (2015). The Impact of the Affordable Care Act on Health Care Access for Immigrants in the U.S.
• Garcia, C. M., & Zallman, L. (2018). Disparities in access to health care among undocumented immigrants.