Assignment:
Identify an existing policy or a proposed policy at the local, state, or national level.
• Identify an existing law or a proposed bill that is linked to this policy.
• Record relevant information about the policy in as complete a form as possible. For a bill, this includes the bill number and title. For an existing law or act, this includes the complete name of the law.
• For example, you may have heard of a “504 plan,” but referring to a “504” is shorthand. The full title of the act is: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
• Be prepared to write a summary of the policy that is separate from the letter.
• Consider the audience of your letter—someone who is familiar with the policy. Demonstrate that you know what the act contains in relation to what you are advocating for or against. However, you do not need to summarize the policy in the letter the way you do for your Instructor.
• Tip: Write the summary before you write the letter. This will help ensure that you know the key points to raise in your letter.
• Write a 2-page advocacy letter that will be sent via mail or e-mail to a public official supporting or opposing a policy under consideration at the local, state, or national level.
o Your letter should be single-spaced. Although your academic papers are normally double-spaced, your letter should follow the form of a standard business letter.
• Address your letter to the appropriate government representative.
• Identify an existing law or a proposed bill associated with the policy issue and be sure to note the bill number and title or the official name of the law in the letter.
o Be specific but brief so the letter recipient is very clear, as soon as possible, about what she or he is reading.
• State your position on the policy, law, and/or bill.
o Again, be specific but succinct.
• Provide a brief rationale for your position.
• Use your knowledge of the policy to stake out one to three concrete examples of why you are advocating for your position.
• Conclude by informing the representative of steps you’d like to see taken to address this issue.
• Write a 1-page summary of the policy and related law or bill that you have written about in your letter.
o This is separate from your letter—it is for your Instructor and not for the letter recipient.
• On a final page, include a reference list. Use APA style to list your references.
o This list can include any newspaper articles, local publications like pamphlets, a government representative’s website that states a position, etc., that helped you to learn about the policy.
Guide On Rating System
Vote
Policy:
Affordable Care Act (ACA)
Related Law:
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
Summary of Policy:
The Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, is a healthcare policy implemented at the national level in the United States. It was signed into law in 2010 under the official name of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The ACA aimed to increase access to healthcare and reduce healthcare costs for millions of Americans. It introduced several key provisions, including the individual mandate, which required individuals to have health insurance or face a penalty, subsidies to help make health insurance more affordable, the expansion of Medicaid eligibility, and the creation of health insurance marketplaces where individuals could compare and purchase insurance plans.
Summary of Letter:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP]
[Date]
[Government Representative's Name]
[Government Representative's Address]
[City, State, ZIP]
Subject: Support for the Affordable Care Act and Universal Healthcare
Dear [Government Representative's Name],
I am writing to express my strong support for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and to advocate for the implementation of universal healthcare in our country. As a concerned citizen and healthcare professional, I believe that access to affordable healthcare is a fundamental right that should be guaranteed to all individuals.
The ACA has significantly improved access to healthcare for millions of Americans. Through the expansion of Medicaid and the establishment of health insurance marketplaces, the ACA has enabled individuals who were previously uninsured or underinsured to obtain comprehensive and affordable coverage. This has resulted in increased preventative care, earlier diagnosis of illnesses, and improved health outcomes.
Furthermore, the ACA has provided crucial protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions. Prior to the ACA, individuals with pre-existing conditions were often denied coverage or charged exorbitant premiums. The ACA's prohibition on discrimination based on pre-existing conditions has ensured that individuals with chronic and pre-existing conditions can access the care they need without facing financial ruin.
Universal healthcare would build upon the successes of the ACA and ensure that every American has access to quality healthcare, regardless of their income or employment status. By implementing a universal healthcare system, we can eliminate the unnecessary administrative costs associated with private insurance and create a more efficient and equitable healthcare system.
There are many examples of how the ACA has positively impacted individuals' lives. For instance, my neighbor, who was previously unable to afford insurance due to a pre-existing condition, was able to obtain coverage through the Medicaid expansion under the ACA. This coverage allowed him to receive the necessary treatment for his condition and significantly improve his quality of life.
To address this issue, I urge you to support policies that expand access to healthcare, improve the affordability of coverage, and work towards the goal of universal healthcare. This could be achieved through the implementation of a public option or the expansion of Medicare eligibility. Additionally, efforts should be made to improve healthcare infrastructure in underserved areas and increase funding for preventative care and public health initiatives.
I appreciate your attention to this matter and respectfully request that you consider the importance of affordable and accessible healthcare for all Americans. By supporting and expanding the ACA, we can ensure that every individual has the opportunity to lead a healthy and productive life.
Thank you for your dedication to public service and for prioritizing the well-being of our community.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Summary of Policy:
The Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, is a national healthcare policy aimed at increasing access to healthcare and reducing healthcare costs. Signed into law in 2010 under the official name of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the ACA introduced provisions such as the individual mandate, subsidies to make insurance more affordable, Medicaid expansion, and health insurance marketplaces. It has improved access to healthcare, protected individuals with pre-existing conditions, and laid the foundation for universal healthcare.
References:
1. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, 42 U.S.C.A. § 18001 (2010).
2. "The Affordable Care Act: A Brief Summary." Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.cms.gov/CCIIO/Resources/Fact-Sheets-and-FAQs/aca_implementation_faqs6.html. Accessed 5 May 2022.
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