Professionals in the field of medical care possess both nonclinical and clinical knowledge that can guide them to engage in health policy activities. The selected bill for this discussion is the one intended to expand Medicaid coverage to ensure that it supports the delivery of personalized dental services to more recipients. Currently, the allocated financial resources under Medicaid are inadequate to meet the dental demands of more people in different states across the country. The identified legislation for this analysis and discussion is a state bill and its number is HJM 4014 (Shannon, 2020). The state of Washington has decided to sponsor this bill to maximize the health experiences of more elderly citizens. This decision arises from the challenges many people in the region have to go through when seeking high-quality medical or dental services.
The title of the selected bill is “House Joint Memorial 4014”. As described above, the purpose of this legislation is to compel or require the state government to expand Medicaid in such a way that it supports the dental demands of more people in Washington. The targeted population or group will include Medicaid enrollees living in Washington and those who are experiencing various dental health problems. If the bill succeeds, the identified beneficiaries will record positive dental health experiences, be in a position to eat various food materials, and overcome the challenge of gum diseases and cavity. Most of the Medicaid enrollees who lack similar services will be able to access them much faster (Rafferty, 2018). However, the involved professionals will discuss and determine the fate of the bill and request the state government to consider the importance of expanding Medicaid. Its success will ensure that more people in Washington achieve their health goals.
The selected bill seeks to include dental support in Medicare in the state of Washington. Eleven sponsors or representatives have been on the frontline to support its passage. They include Mike Chapman, Marcus Riccelli, Beth Dolio, Shelley Kloba, Jake Fey, Nicole Macri, Sharon Wylie, Gael Tarleton, Monica Stoiner, Gerry Pollet, and Tina Orwall (“House Joint Memorial 4014,” n.d.). With the successful passage of this bill, the state of Washington will overcome the challenge of oral disease and dental pain. These health challenges are associated with Alzhemer’s disease, stroke, and heart disease. Individuals who ignore the presence of gum disease will have higher chances of developing diabetes. The involvement of different medical professionals and other policymakers in this policy formulation agenda will expedite the bill’s passage and meet the medical needs of more citizens.
The disparities recorded in healthcare have made it possible for some people in Washington to achieve their aims. For instance, a study completed by the state government in 2016 revealed that over 28 percent of seniors above the age of 65 were facing various dental health challenges, such as tooth decay and loss (“House Joint Memorial 4014,” n.d.). These low-income citizens were unable to meet their health demands. These issues explain why this state has decided to select this bill and take it to the next level. When it is adopted to become a law or guiding principle, more Medicaid enrollees who have dental problems will have access to high-quality and timely medical services (“House Joint Memorial 4014,” n.d.). They will also be empowered to engage in various economic activities and reduce the existing level of medical disparities.
References
House Joint Memorial 4014. (n.d.). Web.
Rafferty, A. M. (2018). Nurses as change agents for a better future in health care: The politics of drift and dilution. Health Economics, Policy and Law, 13(3-4), 475-491. Web.
Shannon, M. (2020). An update on health care bills we’re watching in Washington. State of Reform. Web.