Health Policy Initiatives

My clinical practice is not only guided by evidence-based guidelines but also, policy

initiatives play a crucial role in directing overall healthcare provision. Most of the health policies

that I have come across in my practice so far are based on evidence-based guidelines, which

encourage the application of the best available evidence in clinical decision-making (Pollack

Porter et al., 2018). Additionally, policy initiatives are utilized in day-to-day activities within the

organization, and as an example, policy initiatives on topics such as emergency response and

chronic disease management provide one with specific information on issues such as

surveillance, and prevention strategies. Another specific example of the application of policy

initiatives in nursing practice is the utilization of my knowledge and skills to educate individuals

within the setting on the importance of healthy eating, exercising, and avoidance of smoking.

Application of such evidence-based policies in practice is associated with short-and long-term

benefits in public health (Pollack Porter et al., 2018).

Medica Eligibility Criteria

The Medicaid eligibility criteria for California, the District of Columbia, and Florida will

be compared and contrasted. In the State of California, individuals who are eligible for Medicaid

must fall under categories that include low-income adults making below 138% FPL, pregnant

women, children, older adults, parents/caretakers, blind people, and individuals with disabilities.

Notably, California is among the states that also extend eligibility to undocumented individuals

although for a limited time depending on the period that an individual has been in the United

States. The District of Columbia has almost similar eligibility criteria although, in this state,

adults who are covered have an income of up to 215%. Pregnant, parent/caretaker, elderly,

disabled, and child residents are also covered. Florida Medicaid covers needy parents/caretakers,
children, aged or disabled residents, former foster care recipients, and non-citizens with medical

emergencies. Adults without kids or dependents are not covered in Florida (Levitt, 2021).

Medicare eligibility is associated with access to healthcare (Aggarwal et al., 2022). The

eligibility criteria for California and the District of Columbia ensure an increase in healthcare

access though in varying ways. It is notable that the inclusive eligibility criteria in California

increase access to vulnerable populations who may have otherwise been unable to access

healthcare. In the District of Columbia, a higher threshold of up to 15% FPL allows more

individuals to qualify for healthcare thereby increasing healthcare access. In Florida, eligibility is

a bit more restrictive, which limits healthcare access for populations that might still experience

challenges.

References

Aggarwal, R., Yeh, R. W., Dahabreh, I. J., Robertson, S. E., & Wadhera, R. K. (2022). Medicare

eligibility and healthcare access, affordability, and financial strain for low- and higher-

income adults in the united states: A regression discontinuity analysis. PLOS

Medicine, 19(10), e1004083. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1004083

Levitt, L. (2021). The inequity of the medicaid coverage gap and why it is hard to fix it. JAMA

Health Forum, 2(10), e213905. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamahealthforum.2021.3905

Pollack Porter, K. M., Rutkow, L., & McGinty, E. E. (2018). The importance of policy change

for addressing public health problems. Public Health Reports, 133(1_suppl), 9S14S.

https://doi.org/10.1177/0033354918788880

Lizbert,
Your post provides a valuable insight into the importance of evidence-based guidelines and

policy initiatives in healthcare practice. It's commendable that you consider both aspects in your

clinical practice, as they work hand in hand to improve healthcare provision and public health

outcomes. By following evidence-based guidelines, you ensure that your decisions are rooted in

the best available evidence, which promotes effective and safe patient care. Your examples of

policy initiatives in emergency response, chronic disease management, and health education

demonstrate how these initiatives inform and guide your day-to-day activities. Such policies help

establish surveillance systems, prevention strategies, and education programs, ultimately

contributing to better health outcomes for individuals and the community (Melnyk, & Fineout-

Overholt, 2022). Your comparison of Medicaid eligibility criteria in California, the District of

Columbia, and Florida sheds light on the different approaches taken by these states to ensure

healthcare access for their residents. It's interesting to note the variations in income thresholds

and coverage for different populations. By analyzing these eligibility criteria, you highlight the

impact of policy decisions on healthcare access for vulnerable populations.

Reference

Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2022). Evidence-based practice in nursing &

healthcare: A guide to best practice. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Hi Lizbet,

Medicaid eligibility standards vary per state, therefore it's helpful to compare and contrast them

to see how differently disadvantaged groups are served (Barnes et al., 2023). Low-income adults,

expectant mothers, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities are all welcome in

California. Undocumented individuals are eligible for temporary coverage from the state.
Similarly, adults in the District of Columbia with incomes up to 215% of the federal poverty

level are eligible for coverage through a variety of programs. However, Florida's eligibility

requirements are stricter, and those without dependents are not eligible. The availability of

medical care for various groups is affected by these distinctions. Access for vulnerable

individuals is improved by California and the District of Columbia's inclusive standards, but may

be complicated by Florida's restrictions. In order to alleviate inequalities and guarantee equitable

access to healthcare services, policymakers and clinicians must have a thorough understanding of

these distinctions.

Reference

Barnes, C., Michener, J., & Rains, E. (2023). “It’s Like Night and Day”: How Bureaucratic

Encounters Vary across WIC, SNAP, and Medicaid. Social Service Review, 97(1), 3-

42. https://doi.org/10.1086/723365