25 Sep The U.S. Heathcare System HCAD 620

INSTRUCTIONS: Develop a policy analysis based on the scenario presented below. The product should

be a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 12 pages (excluding cover page, appendices, charts, and

references), double spaced, conforming to APA standards.

NOTE: Some of the facts in this scenario are hypothetical; others are actual.

FACTS:

As a mid-career health analysis, you have recently been

hired as the Health Policy Coordinator for the Alliance for

Rural Health. The Executive Director of the Alliance has

requested that you prepare a policy briefing discussing

the delivery of Health Care Services to the residents of

Appalachian Kentucky.

The Appalachian region of Kentucky is comprised of 54 counties with a total population of approximately

1.2 million. In Appalachian Kentucky, 100% of the population would be considered rural by Federal

standards, as only 2.6% live in a town of 20,000 or more, the single incident of Richmond city. The

average adult in Appalachian Kentucky reports feeling physically unhealthy 47% more often than the

average American and 23% more often than the average adult in non-Appalachian Kentucky. The

average adult in Appalachian Kentucky reports feeling mentally unhealthy 25% more often than the

average American and 15% more often than the average adult in non-Appalachian Kentucky.

In addition, recent surveys of the behavioral health system, clinics, and tribal health center report

significant rates of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia and substance abuse /

dependence among Appalachian Kentucky residents. There is concern that these problems are related

to high rates of suicide and domestic violence.

Finally, other reports from social service agencies report that there is a significant population in the region

that is effectively homeless, living seasonally (or sometimes year-round) in campers, tents, or out of

automobiles, moving between campgrounds or camping areas in the state park grounds. This population

includes families with children in some cases.

The paper should accomplish the following:

1. Discuss the problem of underserved populations and subgroups, including characteristics of

those groups and barriers to delivery.

2. Examine the structure of the delivery system and how this helps or hinders health delivery.

3. Discuss the impact of ACA.

4. Make clear recommendations as appropriate for meeting the health delivery challenges of

Appalachian Kentucky.

Please prepare a well written, well organized, and professionally structured policy paper as

requested.