Healthcare policy issues

Health policies affect the cost of treatment, access to care services and the quality of care

provided. These opioids are laws, rules, and regulations created and implemented by a state’s

healthcare department to manage its healthcare system. However, policies can result in issues

that may affect the delivery of healthcare services and the overall population health equity.

Affordable Healthcare.

Despite the introduction of Medicare and Medicaid, most Americans still cannot afford a health

insurance plan (Smith, 20170). Medicare plan doesn’t cover the cost of prescription drugs which

makes the plan less cost-effective. Loss of federal reimbursement has led to some hospitals

making financial cuts, such as reducing staff, which will hinder nurses' ability to care for patients

Prescription drug pricing

The state policies have failed to control the high and rising cost of prescription drugs. The high

prices have led to the substitution of opioids for pain killers leading to its addiction. that puts

more burden on healthcare workforce due to the extra resources need to treat the addicts.

strategic long-term consumer-oriented policies need to be taken to ensure that access to life-

saving medicines is guaranteed for all.

Opioids abuse

The government has failed to implement effective measures to control opioid abuse and

addiction. opioids addiction has been linked to the high cost of prescription drugs. Individuals

who cannot afford the drugs opt for opioids to relieve pains which leads to addiction to the drug.

The state has to construct rehabilitation and recovery centers for the addicts which put extra

financial constraints on the government. Additionally, it creates additional work to nurses which

could lead to burnout and eventually high nurse turnovers.

 References

Smith, D. G. (2017). Medicare and Medicaid, 1997. Entitlement Politics, 173-242.

doi:10.4324/9781351328043-6