Policy
Healthcare Policy and Analysis
Policy
Read a selection of your colleagues’ posts and
respond to
at least two of your colleagues by supporting or expanding on the ideas identified by your colleague or sharing additional perspectives on the policy described by your colleague.
PEER #1
RB
Rabiatu Bangura
Rabiatu Bangura
Week 5 Discussion: Policy
The Disability Employment Incentive Act, introduced in the Senate on October 18, 2023, seeks to enhance employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities by expanding tax credits and deductions for employers. This bill explicitly targets hiring and retaining employees who receive disability insurance benefits, thereby addressing significant barriers in the workforce (Congress.gov, n.d.). By increasing the work opportunity tax credit and modifying eligibility criteria for small businesses, the proposed policy aims to create a more inclusive job market. This discussion will explore the implications of this federal policy and its alignment with advocacy priorities for individuals with disabilities.
Proposed State or Federal Policy
The proposed federal policy, Disability Employment Incentive Act (S.3076), aligns directly with the advocacy priorities of increasing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities (Congress.gov, n.d.). The bill expands existing tax incentives, making it financially advantageous for employers to hire and retain employees with disabilities, including those on disability insurance under the Social Security Act (Congress.gov, n.d.). This approach promotes inclusion and incentivizes businesses to engage in equitable hiring practices.
Evidence
Evidence supporting the need for this policy can be found in studies highlighting the persistent employment disparities faced by individuals with disabilities. Carr and Namkung (2021) demonstrate that discrimination and inadequate support systems continue to hinder job opportunities despite legal protections. The proposed policy addresses these barriers by providing concrete financial incentives that can lead to increased hiring and retention rates. Additionally, Berman and Fox (2023) argue that incremental changes, such as those proposed in this bill, are often more effective than sweeping reforms, as they allow for gradual adaptation and acceptance within the business community. Expanding tax credits and deductions, the Disability Employment Incentive Act encourages employers to create more accessible and supportive work environments.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Disability Employment Incentive Act represents a critical step toward improving employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. By expanding financial incentives for employers, this policy addresses existing barriers and promotes a more inclusive workforce. It aligns with advocacy efforts to create equitable job opportunities and foster stakeholder collaboration. As the bill progresses through Congress, continued advocacy will be essential to ensure its passage and implementation. This policy can potentially drive meaningful change and enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities in the workforce.
References
Berman, G., & Fox, A. (2023).
Gradual: The case for incremental change in a radical age. Oxford University Press.
Carr, D., & Namkung, E. H. (2021). Physical disability at work: how functional limitation affects perceived discrimination and interpersonal relationships in the workplace.
Journal of health and social behavior,
62(4), 545-561.
to an external site.
Congress.gov. (n.d.). S.3076 – Disability Employment Incentive Act118th Congress (2023-2024).
to an external site.
PEER #2
TT
Tamekia Tamara Lindsay Thompson
Tamekia Tamara Lindsay Thompson
Tamekia Tamara Lindsay Thompson
Tamekia Lindsay Thompson’s Main Post
Transportation assistance is critical for improving healthcare access among low-income individuals with chronic health conditions, yet gaps in implementation remain evident in practice (Razon et al., 2023). Federally, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Public Law 116-260) solidified Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) as a mandatory Medicaid benefit, ensuring eligible patients have transportation to healthcare appointments (U.S. Congress, 2020). While this is a step forward, challenges in implementation undermine its effectiveness. At my local primary care office, patients frequently experience delays and no-shows with NEMT services, leaving them stranded and unable to attend critical medical appointments. This not only exacerbates their health conditions but also places additional stress on healthcare providers trying to reschedule and manage their care. Additionally, for patients without Medicaid, transportation remains inaccessible, creating a significant barrier to healthcare for those who fall outside Medicaid eligibility but still face financial hardships (Razon et al., 2023).
NEMT plays a vital role in addressing transportation barriers. Razon et al. (2023) found that NEMT reduces missed appointments and prevents avoidable emergency department visits, which are common among patients with chronic conditions. However, logistical challenges, such as the requirement to schedule rides 72 hours in advance and unreliable services, limit its full potential. Reducing the scheduling requirement to 24 hours and implementing real-time ride tracking could mitigate these issues and improve patient outcomes (Razon et al., 2023). For patients without Medicaid, expanding NEMT eligibility through state or federal subsidies could help address the unmet need for transportation services. For instance, integrating state-level transportation assistance programs, such as subsidized ridesharing for non-Medicaid patients, could fill this gap and ensure broader access (Razon et al., 2023).
California’s Medi-Cal Managed Care Plan offers a useful model, as it expands transportation services for individuals with mobility challenges, addressing both accessibility and equity (Razon et al., 2023). This aligns with Dawes’ (2020) emphasis on targeting social determinants of health to reduce disparities. However, fragmented service coordination remains a challenge. At my primary care office, patients often must navigate multiple disconnected systems to find alternative transportation options, further complicating their care. To address this, integrating NEMT with local community-based transportation services could streamline access and provide a more comprehensive solution (Dawes, 2020; Razon et al., 2023). For example, a partnership between NEMT and local public transit or ride-sharing services could expand options for patients without Medicaid while improving reliability for those who rely on NEMT.
Improving transportation policies requires a combination of federal mandates, state-level adaptations, and local innovations (Porche, 2023). The federal mandate under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, provides a solid foundation, but addressing logistical challenges and expanding access for non-Medicaid patients is necessary to achieve equitable healthcare outcomes. Refining NEMT services and extending eligibility will significantly improve healthcare access for vulnerable populations.
References
Dawes, D. E. (2020).
The political determinants of health. Johns Hopkins University Press.
Porche, D. J. (2023).
Health policy: Applications for nurses and other healthcare professionals (3rd ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Razon, N., Gottlieb, L. M., & Fraze, T. (2023). Essential not supplemental: Medicare Advantage members’ use of non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT).
Journal of General Internal Medicine, 38(16), 3566–3573.
U.S. Congress. (2020).
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. Public Law No. 116-260. Congress.gov.
to an external site.
