Table of Contents
ToggleUse the Agenda Comparison Grid Template found in the Learning Resources and

It may seem to you that healthcare has been a national topic of debate among political leaders for as long as you can remember.
Healthcare has been a policy item and a topic of debate not only in recent times but as far back as the administration of the second U.S. president, John Adams. In 1798, Adams signed legislation requiring that 20 cents per month of a sailor’s paycheck be set aside for covering their medical bills. This represented the first major piece of U.S. healthcare legislation, and the topic of healthcare has been woven into presidential agendas and political debate ever since.
As a healthcare professional, you may be called upon to provide expertise, guidance and/or opinions on healthcare matters as they are debated for inclusion into new policy. You may also be involved in planning new organizational policy and responses to changes in legislation. For all of these reasons you should be prepared to speak to national healthcare issues making the news.
In this Assignment, you will analyze recent presidential healthcare agendas. You also will prepare a fact sheet to communicate the importance of a healthcare issue and the impact on this issue of recent or proposed policy.
To Prepare:
- Review the agenda priorities of the current/sitting U.S. president and at least one previous presidential administration.
- Select an issue related to healthcare that was addressed by two U.S. presidential administrations (current and previous).
- Consider how you would communicate the importance of a healthcare issue to a legislator/policymaker or a member of their staff for inclusion on an agenda.
- Use your Week 1 Discussion post to help with this assignment.
The Assignment: (1- to 2-page Comparison Grid, 1-Page Analysis, and 1-page narrative) with a title page. This is an APA paper. Use 2-3 course resources and at least 2 outside resources.
Part 1: Agenda Comparison Grid
Use the Agenda Comparison Grid Template found in the Learning Resources and complete the Part 1: Agenda Comparison Grid based on the current/sitting U.S. president and the previous president, and their agendas related to the population health concern you selected. Be sure to address the following:
- Identify and provide a brief description of the population health concern you selected.
- Explain how each of the presidential administrations approached the issue.
- Identify the allocation of resources that the presidents dedicated to this issue.
Part 2: Agenda Comparison Grid Analysis
Using the information you recorded in Part 1: Agenda Comparison Grid on the template, complete the Part 2: Agenda Comparison Grid Analysis portion of the template, by addressing the following:
- Which administrative agency (like HHS, CDC, FDA, OHSA) would most likely be responsible for helping you address the healthcare issue you selected and why is this agency the most helpful for the issue?
- How do you think your selected healthcare issue might get on the presidential agenda? How does it stay there?
- An entrepreneur/champion/sponsor helps to move the issue forward. Who would you choose to be the entrepreneur/champion/sponsor (this can be a celebrity, a legislator, an agency director, or others) of the healthcare issue you selected and why would this person be a good entrepreneur/ champion/sponsor? An example is Michael J. Fox is champion for Parkinson’s disease.
Part 3: Fact Sheet
Using the information recorded on the template in Parts 1 and 2, develop a 1-page fact sheet that you could use to communicate with a policymaker/legislator or a member of their staff for this healthcare issue. Be sure to address the following:
- Summarize why this healthcare issue is important and should be included in the agenda for legislation.
- Justify the role of the nurse in agenda setting for healthcare issues.
By Day 7 of Week 2
Submit your final version of Part 1: Agenda Comparison Grid, Part 2: Agenda Comparison Grid Analysis, and Part 3: Narrative.
Submission and Grading Information
To submit your completed Assignment for review and grading, do the following:
- Please save your Assignment using the naming convention “WK2Assgn+last name+first initial.(extension)” as the name.
- Click the Week 2 Assignment Rubric to review the Grading Criteria for the Assignment.
- Click the Week 2 Assignment link. You will also be able to “View Rubric” for grading criteria from this area.
- Next, from the Attach File area, click on the Browse My Computer button. Find the document you saved as “WK2Assgn+last name+first initial.(extension)” and click Open.
- If applicable: From the Plagiarism Tools area, click the checkbox for I agree to submit my paper(s) to the Global Reference Database.
- Click on the Submit button to complete your submission.
Sample Expert Answer and Explanation
Agenda Comparison Grid and Fact Sheet or Talking Points Brief Assignment Template for Part 1 and Part 2
Identify the Population Health concern you selected. | Mental Health | ||
Describe the Population Health concern you selected and the factors that contribute to it. | Mental health is one serious population health concerns in the US. Millions of people in the US are diagnosed with mental health problems every year. According to National Alliance of Mental Health (2022), 21% (52.9 million people) of the US adults had mental health problems in 2020. The organization also notes that 5.6% of the population with mental illness experienced serious problems. Considerable number of youths about 16.5% also had mental problems. Over 50 million Americans experience mental health problems but only 40% of them get medical attention (National Alliance of Mental Health (NAMI), 2022).
|
||
Administration (President Name) | (Current President)
Joseph Robinette “Joe” Biden Jr. |
(Previous President)
Donald J. Trump |
(Previous President)
Barrack Obama |
Describe the administrative agenda focus related to this issue for the current and two previous presidents. | Joe Biden’s administration’s focus on mental health is to improve mental health coverage. The administration demands health insurers to offer suitable network of behavioral health providers without cost-sharing. Biden’s administration wants to improve parity in mental health care. | Trump’s administration focused on building more building more psychiatric hospitals and civil commitments as a way to improve mental health of Americans. | Obama addressed mental health by signing mental health reform into law. This law stipulated how mental health patients should be helped. |
Identify the allocations of financial and other resources that the current and two previous presidents dedicated to this issue. | Biden’s administration provided $105 million to all states and territories to strengthen Crisis Call Center services as a way of combating mental health. In 2023 fiscal year, Biden proposes $1.653 billion for the Community Mental Health Block Grant and $7.5 billion in Medicaid to improve mental health (NAMI, 2022a). | Trump allocated $10 billion to fight opioid epidemic and other serious mental health during his administration. He also provided block grand to expand Medicaid program. | In 2013, Obama provided $100 to combat mental health. From the budget, he allocated $50 million to local mental health facilities. In 2016, he gave the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) $31.3 billion for mental health research and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) $3.666 billion (NAMI, 2015). |
Explain how each of the presidential administrations approached the issue. | Biden’s administration approached mental health by focusing on increasing coverage to mental health services (NAMI, 2022a). He wanted parity when it comes to covering mental health services. | Trump approached mental health by building more infrastructure such as psychiatric hospitals to improve quality of mental health services. | Obama invested more on menta health research. Most funds regarding mental health were spend to research more mental teal treatments (NAMI, 2015). |
Part 2: Agenda Comparison Grid Analysis
Administration (President Name) | (Current President) | (Previous President) | (Previous President) |
Which administrative agency would most likely be responsible for helping you address the healthcare issue you selected?
|
Biden’s administrative agency would help me solve the problem. He wants parity in mental health care provision by compelling health insurers to provide better behavior health packages without cost-sharing. His approach aims to reduce the cost of mental care services. | Trump’s agency was also good. However, he would need huge capital to build enough psychiatric hospitals across the US and this might be difficult politically. | Obama was more focused on research. He would have also provided funds for actual provision of mental healthcare services. |
How do you think your selected healthcare issue might get on the agenda for the current and two previous presidents? How does it stay there? | The health issue might get into the agenda of the current president through lobbying. The president might be lobbied to include this issue into his manifesto. The issue can made to stay there by lobbying president to pass | In Trump’s administration, the issue might get on the agenda through TV and newspapers. The media can be influenced to cover the issue and force the Trump administration to talk about it. It can stay in the agenda through policies. | The issue can get on the agenda in Obama administration through Congress. A bill can be created and taken to Congress for debate and approval. It might be made permanent by making it law. |
Who would you choose to be the entrepreneur/ champion/sponsor of the healthcare issue you selected for the current and two previous presidents? | In the Biden administration, I would choose to be a champion the selected healthcare issue. I would champion for allocation for more funds in mental health. | I would be an entrepreneur in the Trump administration. I would build mental health hospitals and rent them to the government. | I would be a sponsor in the Obama administration. I would sponsor a bill that support mental health research. |
Fact Sheet
Mental health is an important issue and should be included in the agenda of legislation due to the following reasons. The first reason is that a high number of Americans experience mental health issues. According to the National Alliance of Mental Health (2022), 21% (52.9 million people) of US adults had mental health problems in 2020. The organization also notes that 5.6% of the population with mental illness experienced serious problems. Statistics show that mental health affects the majority of the US population. Though the prevalence of mental health in the US is high, only 40% of the population with the health problem get affordable and quality care.
The second reason is that untreated mental illness can lead to many problems. According to Ravens-Sieberer et al. (2021), the high rate of mental health illnesses in society resulted in unemployment, unnecessary disability, substance abuse, suicide, inappropriate incarceration, and poor quality of life. Intreated mental health also leads to many deaths. A high rate of deaths by suicide occurs due to one or more mental problems. Therefore, for American society to be safe, mental health issues must be addressed by including them in the agenda for legislation.
Nurses play a big role in setting the agenda for healthcare issues. One of their roles is to analyze the healthcare setting and identify the population’s health concerns (Varghese et al., 2018). Nurses are close to patients and can easily identify the health problems affecting community settings. They also have the role to advocate for their populations by proposing health issues that should be given precedence when making laws (Varghese et al., 2018). Lastly, they can set the agenda by lobbying for their health policies on different platforms such as the social and mainstream media.
References
National Alliance of Mental Health. (2022). Mental health by the numbers. https://www.nami.org/mhstats
National Alliance of Mental Health. (2015). President Obama’s 2016 budget: What does it mean for mental health?. https://www.nami.org/About-NAMI/NAMI-News/2015/President-Obama-s-2016-Budget-What-Does-It-Mean-f
National Alliance of Mental Health. (2022). Mental health by the numbers. https://www.nami.org/mhstats
National Alliance of Mental Health. (2022a). NAMI praises mental health investments in President Biden’s FY 2023 proposed budget. https://www.nami.org/About-NAMI/NAMI-News/2022/NAMI-Praises-Mental-Health-Investments-in-President-Biden-s-FY-2023-Proposed-Budget
Ravens-Sieberer, U., Kaman, A., Erhart, M., Otto, C., Devine, J., Löffler, C., … & Hölling, H. (2021). Quality of life and mental health in children and adolescents during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic: results of a two-wave nationwide population-based study. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-021-01889-1
Varghese, J., Blankenhorn, A., Saligram, P., Porter, J., & Sheikh, K. (2018). Setting the agenda for nurse leadership in India: what is missing. International Journal For Equity In Health, 17(1), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12939-018-0814-0
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FAQs
Comparison of Presidential Healthcare Agendas
In every presidential election, healthcare takes center stage as one of the most crucial issues. The healthcare agendas put forward by presidential candidates have a profound impact on the direction of the nation’s healthcare system. This article aims to provide an in-depth analysis and comparison of the healthcare agendas proposed by the candidates vying for the presidency. By understanding their stances and proposals, voters can make informed decisions about the future of healthcare in the United States.
Overview of Presidential Candidates
Before delving into the specifics of each candidate’s healthcare proposals, it is essential to provide an overview of the candidates themselves and the political parties they represent. In this section, we will explore the key healthcare-related proposals put forth by each candidate.
Affordable Care Act (ACA)
The Affordable Care Act, often referred to as Obamacare, has been a significant milestone in the U.S. healthcare system. In this section, we will examine each candidate’s stance on the ACA and their proposed changes or improvements to the existing healthcare law.
Universal Healthcare
Universal healthcare has been a topic of intense debate. In this section, we will define and explain the concept of universal healthcare and compare the candidates’ approaches to achieving it. We will also discuss the potential benefits and challenges associated with implementing a universal healthcare system.
Medicare Expansion
Medicare plays a vital role in providing healthcare for seniors in the United States. Here, we will discuss the current state of Medicare and the candidates’ plans for expanding its reach. We will analyze the implications of Medicare expansion on healthcare access and costs.
Prescription Drug Prices
The rising cost of prescription drugs has become a major concern for many Americans. This section will delve into the candidates’ proposals for addressing high drug prices, including potential reforms that may impact consumers and the pharmaceutical industry.
Mental Health and Addiction
Mental health and addiction are significant public health issues that require attention in any comprehensive healthcare agenda. We will explore the candidates’ strategies for addressing mental health and addiction, comparing their approaches and potential outcomes.
Maternal and Child Health
Improving maternal and child health outcomes is another critical aspect of healthcare. In this section, we will analyze the candidates’ plans to enhance maternal and child health support and the potential implications for healthcare access and support.
Rural Healthcare
Rural communities face unique challenges in accessing healthcare services. Here, we will discuss the candidates’ strategies for improving rural healthcare and evaluate the feasibility and potential impact of these proposed solutions.
Health Equity and Disparities
Healthcare disparities persist among different populations, highlighting the need for health equity initiatives. We will examine the candidates’ efforts to address health equity and reduce disparities, considering the effectiveness and potential challenges of these initiatives.
Technology and Innovation in Healthcare
Technological advancements have the potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery. In this section, we will explore the candidates’ approaches to healthcare technology and innovation and assess the benefits and challenges associated with integrating technology into the healthcare system.
Impact of Presidential Healthcare Agendas
The healthcare agendas put forth by presidential candidates can significantly shape the future of the healthcare system. Here, we will analyze how each candidate’s proposals may impact healthcare access, costs, and quality, and discuss potential consequences for the American population.
Public Opinion and Voting Considerations
Public opinion plays a crucial role in shaping healthcare agendas and influencing election outcomes. In this section, we will discuss the importance of healthcare in voters’ decision-making process and explore how healthcare agendas can sway public opinion and affect voter choices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the comparison of presidential healthcare agendas reveals the varying approaches and priorities of the candidates. Healthcare is a critical issue that demands careful consideration from voters. By understanding each candidate’s proposals, voters can make informed choices that align with their values and aspirations for the nation’s healthcare system.
FAQs
- What is the Affordable Care Act (ACA)?
- The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, is a healthcare law enacted in 2010 to increase access to affordable health insurance for Americans. It introduced various provisions such as health insurance marketplaces, expansion of Medicaid, and the requirement for individuals to have health insurance.
- How do presidential candidates propose to address high prescription drug prices?
- Presidential candidates propose different approaches to tackle high prescription drug prices, such as allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices, importing cheaper drugs from other countries, and implementing greater transparency in pricing.
- Will universal healthcare lead to increased taxes?
- Universal healthcare can require increased taxes to fund the system. However, the overall costs for individuals and families may be offset by the elimination of private insurance premiums and reduced out-of-pocket expenses.
- How will presidential healthcare agendas impact rural communities?
- Presidential healthcare agendas can have a significant impact on rural communities by addressing challenges in accessing healthcare services, improving infrastructure, and expanding telehealth options to bridge the healthcare gap between rural and urban areas.
- What role does public opinion play in shaping healthcare agendas?
- Public opinion influences political decisions, including healthcare agendas. Candidates often respond to public concerns and preferences to gain support. Public input and engagement can shape the focus and priorities of healthcare policies.
What are the Nurses Role in Health Promotion?
Nurses play a crucial role in health promotion, which involves empowering individuals and communities to take control of their health and make informed decisions that contribute to well-being. The nursing profession is uniquely positioned to engage in health promotion across various settings. Here are key aspects of the nurse’s role in health promotion:
- Education and Awareness:
- Nurses provide information and education to individuals and communities about healthy lifestyles, preventive measures, and the importance of early detection of health issues. This may include topics such as nutrition, physical activity, immunizations, and screenings.
- Individualized Health Plans:
- Nurses work with individuals to develop personalized health plans that consider their unique needs, preferences, and challenges. This may involve setting achievable health goals and creating strategies for behavior change.
- Disease Prevention:
- Nurses actively participate in disease prevention efforts, including vaccination campaigns, screenings, and health assessments. They promote immunizations and screenings for conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and hypertension.
- Health Counseling:
- Nurses engage in health counseling to support individuals in making positive lifestyle choices. This includes discussions about smoking cessation, stress management, and maintaining mental health.
- Promotion of Healthy Behaviors:
- Nurses encourage and promote healthy behaviors, such as regular exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep. They provide guidance on stress reduction and coping strategies.
- Advocacy:
- Nurses advocate for policies and practices that contribute to community health. This may involve participating in public health campaigns, addressing social determinants of health, and working towards health equity.
- Community Outreach:
- Nurses engage in community outreach programs to reach diverse populations and address specific health needs. This includes organizing health fairs, workshops, and support groups.
- Early Intervention:
- Nurses are often involved in early identification and intervention for health issues. This may include recognizing signs of illness, providing early treatment, and referring individuals to appropriate healthcare services.
- Collaboration with Other Healthcare Professionals:
- Nurses collaborate with physicians, social workers, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care and address the various aspects of health promotion.
- Role Modeling:
- Nurses serve as role models by demonstrating healthy behaviors and lifestyle choices. Their own commitment to wellness can inspire and motivate individuals to adopt healthier practices.
- Patient Empowerment:
- Nurses empower patients by involving them in decision-making processes related to their health. This fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility for one’s well-being.
- Continuing Education:
- Nurses engage in continuous learning to stay updated on the latest evidence-based practices in health promotion. This knowledge is then applied in their interactions with patients and communities.
How Can Nurses Get Involved in Policy Making?
Nurses can play a crucial role in policy making by actively engaging in advocacy, leveraging their expertise, and participating in various avenues that influence healthcare policies. Here are several ways nurses can get involved in policy making:
- Educational Preparation:
- Pursue advanced degrees in nursing, such as a Master’s in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), with a focus on health policy. This education equips nurses with the knowledge and skills needed to understand, analyze, and contribute to health policy development.
- Policy Fellowships and Internships:
- Participate in policy fellowships or internships offered by government agencies, healthcare organizations, or nursing associations. These programs provide hands-on experience in policy development, implementation, and evaluation.
- Joining Professional Organizations:
- Become a member of nursing associations and professional organizations that actively engage in policy advocacy. Organizations like the American Nurses Association (ANA) often provide opportunities for members to participate in policy initiatives.
- Attending Policy Conferences:
- Attend conferences and seminars focused on healthcare policy. These events provide opportunities to learn about current policy issues, network with policymakers, and engage in discussions that shape the healthcare landscape.
- Involvement in Nursing Associations:
- Participate in the activities of nursing associations at the local, state, and national levels. These associations often have policy committees or advocacy initiatives where nurses can contribute their perspectives and experiences.
- Building Relationships with Policymakers:
- Develop relationships with policymakers, legislators, and government officials. Attend town hall meetings, engage in discussions, and establish connections that can facilitate communication and collaboration on healthcare issues.
- Public Advocacy and Awareness:
- Engage in public advocacy to raise awareness about healthcare issues. Write op-eds, contribute to blogs, or participate in community events to educate the public and policymakers on the importance of specific healthcare policies.
- Policy Research and Analysis:
- Conduct research on healthcare issues and contribute to policy analysis. Nurses can use their expertise to provide evidence-based insights that inform the development and evaluation of policies.
- Participation in Grassroots Movements:
- Join or support grassroots movements focused on healthcare advocacy. These movements can have a significant impact on policy change by mobilizing public support and influencing decision-makers.
- Collaboration with Interprofessional Teams:
- Collaborate with professionals from various disciplines, including physicians, social workers, and public health experts. Interprofessional collaboration strengthens the collective voice advocating for policy changes.
- Political Engagement:
- Consider political engagement, such as running for elected office or supporting candidates who prioritize healthcare and nursing issues. Nurses in policymaking roles can directly influence the development and implementation of healthcare policies.
- Continuous Education:
- Stay informed about current policy issues, healthcare trends, and legislative changes. Continuous education ensures that nurses are well-equipped to contribute meaningfully to policy discussions.
Barriers to Nurses Participation in the Development of Healthcare Policy
Despite the importance of nurses’ involvement in healthcare policy development, several barriers can limit their participation. Identifying and addressing these barriers is crucial to harness the full potential of nursing expertise in shaping health policy. Here are some common barriers:
- Lack of Education and Training:
- Limited education and training in health policy can hinder nurses’ confidence and ability to actively participate in policy discussions. Enhancing policy-related education during nursing training can help address this barrier.
- Time Constraints:
- Heavy workloads and demanding schedules in clinical settings may leave nurses with limited time to engage in policy-related activities. Time constraints can hinder their ability to participate in advocacy, attend policy meetings, or engage in community outreach.
- Limited Awareness and Understanding:
- Some nurses may not be fully aware of the impact of healthcare policies on their practice or may not fully understand the policy-making process. Increasing awareness and providing education on the importance of policy involvement can help overcome this barrier.
- Hierarchical Structures:
- Hierarchical structures within healthcare organizations may discourage nurses from actively participating in policy development. A culture that fosters collaboration and values input from all healthcare professionals is essential to breaking down these barriers.
- Lack of Resources:
- Limited resources, both financial and informational, can impede nurses’ ability to engage in policy activities. Adequate support in terms of funding, access to information, and training resources can help overcome this barrier.
- Fear of Retaliation:
- Nurses may fear retaliation or negative consequences for speaking out about policy issues. Creating a supportive environment that values open communication and protects nurses from reprisals is essential.
- Complex Policy Language:
- The complexity and technical language often found in policy documents can be a barrier for nurses who are not familiar with policy terminology. Efforts to simplify language and provide accessible resources can enhance nurses’ understanding.
- Lack of Representation:
- Inadequate representation of nurses in policy-making bodies and committees can limit their influence. Ensuring diverse representation in these forums is essential for capturing the breadth of nursing perspectives.
- Political Uncertainty:
- The ever-changing political landscape and uncertainty can create challenges for nurses who wish to engage in policy advocacy. Providing support and resources to navigate these uncertainties is important.
- Professional Role Identity:
- Some nurses may perceive their professional role as strictly clinical and may not recognize their potential impact on policy. Promoting a broader understanding of the nursing profession and its role in healthcare systems can help overcome this barrier.
- Institutional Resistance:
- Resistance within healthcare institutions to nurse involvement in policy development can pose a significant barrier. Addressing institutional resistance through cultural changes and leadership support is essential.
- Limited Networking Opportunities:
- Limited networking opportunities with policymakers and other professionals involved in health policy can hinder nurses’ ability to establish connections. Creating platforms for networking and collaboration is crucial.