Essay Sample on Medicare's Impact on Healthcare: Reaching 60M+ Members in the US

How many people were reached by the program or policy selected? How much of an impact was realized with the program or policy selected?

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Medicare covers more than 60 million members in the US (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2020). A majority of coverage is on the local level as developed by clinicians and contractors paying medical care claims. It has positively impacted the healthcare system by covering many basic care services, such as hospital stays and drug prescriptions (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2020). Importantly, it has improved access to healthcare to elderly and disabled individuals who may not have any other healthcare insurance.

What data was used to conduct the program or policy evaluation?

It includes qualitative data. The sources of data include observation and documental review. The publication of various documents helped to assess the success or failure of the program.

What specific information on unintended consequences were identified?

The unintended consequence is that the program did not intend to solve the problem of chronic illness in society. However, it has a heavy burden of supporting individuals with chronic conditions. For example, 78% of beneficiaries of Medicare suffered from at least one chronic condition (Institute of Medicine, 2003). Although the program has financial constraints, it has significantly improved the health status of its members with lasting health conditions.

What stakeholders were identified in the evaluation of the program or policy? Who would benefit most from the results and reporting of the program or policy evaluation? Be specific and provide examples.

They include eligible members who seek medical care services, Medicare contractors, clinicians, and the government. The primary purpose of the program is to ensure the provision of quality healthcare services to eligible individuals to apply, including people with over 65 years and disabled (Institute of Medicine, 2003). The stakeholder who would benefit the most from the evaluation is the government since it will assess its contribution to promoting quality healthcare services. For example, it will adjust the eligibility age to maybe 60 years based on life expectancy changes. Also, the report will help in the budgeting process based on anticipated population growth.

Did the program or policy meet the original intent and objectives? Why or why not?

The program met its original objectives, which is to provide quality healthcare insurance to its members aged over 65 years, and other specified eligible people (Aaron, 2012). It is successful since it is the leading insurance for healthcare in the US. Moreover, the program insures more than 60 million members and a majority of them suffer from more than one chronic disease (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2020). Although it faces some financial challenges, it has significantly contributed to improving the health status eligible members a majority of who may not have any other healthcare insurance.

Would you recommend implementing this program or policy in your place of work? Why or why not?

I would recommend the implementation of this policy in my place of work. It is because the program would provide health insurance to individuals aged over 65 or those who are about to retire (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2020). It will foster the health of eligible citizens and this would improve their well-being even after they retire from their places of work. Secondly, there are some eligible members in the workplace who are not aware of the program. Therefore, it would be beneficial to introduce the program so that all eligible members benefit.

Identify at least two ways that you, as a nurse advocate, could become involved in evaluating a program or policy after one year of implementation.

The first way is monitoring the implementation process. Nursing practitioners have a direct connection with the beneficiaries of the program. In the process, they can monitor the implementation process of insurance, and how it is contributing to the healthcare sector (Aaron, 2012). The monitoring process would help develop a report to present to relevant authorities regarding the program, recommending potential changes to improve it. The second strategy is engaging the patients and pay contractors. It is possible to talk to members and other stakeholders about the program and what they think should be improved. The evaluation method is effective since it provides first-hand information.

General Notes/Comments

Medicare is a program that provides health insurance for specific people, such as individuals aged over 65, disabled individuals and individuals with end-stage renal diseases. It serves more than 60 million members, suggesting that it has been successful (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2020). The program should be introduced in all workplaces, as long as there are eligible individuals. However, the first thing to do is to sensitize all citizens about the program.

References

Aaron, H. (2012). The current state of medicine. Retrieved from https://www.brookings.edu/testimonies/the-current-state-of-medicare/

Institute of Medicine. (2003). Leadership by Example: Coordinating Government Roles in Improving Health Care Quality. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.

Kaiser Family Foundation. (2020). An overview of Medicare. Retrieved from https://www.kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/an-overview-of-medicare/