DISCUSSION OVERVIEW One of the primary responsibilities of medical social worker

DISCUSSION OVERVIEW
One of the primary responsibilities of medical social workers is to ensure that patients have access to health care services and essential resources. Given the excessive cost of health care in the United States, health insurance is essential in providing access to care for patients of all socioeconomic classes.
In the United States, private insurance and government-funded insurance are available. Private insurance may be offered by employers or paid for by individuals out of pocket. Medicaid is a state-run health insurance program for individuals of low socioeconomic status, and requirements vary from state to state. Medicare is a federal health insurance program that is offered to senior citizens and disabled individuals who have contributed to the Social Security system through employment taxes.
In addition to providing health insurance options, the U.S. government also provides two of the largest disability insurance programs in the world. The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides financial assistance to adults and children who are disabled and have limited income and resources. The Social Security Disability Insurance Program (SSDI) pays benefits to disabled individuals who have worked and paid social security taxes. SSI is a means-tested program, whereas SSDI is not.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA, also known as ObamaCare) became law on May 23, 2010. It strives to reform the health insurance and health care industries in an effort to cut health care costs and provide Americans with affordable health insurance. The PPACA also strives to expand Medicare and Medicaid to assist those Americans who cannot currently afford health insurance. As a result of the reforms, there may be a significant influx of patients into the health care system. In addition, there will be a greater focus on integrating health care services, particularly for individuals with physical and mental health conditions. It is expected that under the PPACA, social workers will take a more active role in the coordination of care for existing and new members of the health care system. Social workers will also provide additional direct, frontline services to patients.
To prepare for this Discussion, review this week’s resources. Think about the resources needed by an individual for his or her health care. Consider health insurance as a resource that covers health care for an illness. Additionally, consider the debate over the PPACA and explore the reputable sources on the Internet for additional resources on the balanced debates over the PPACA. Consider how the PPACA might expand meaningful services to all Americans including children, young adults, uninsured minorities, and spouses of employed individuals.
Post by Day 4 1). an explanation of the differences between the Medicaid, Medicare, and Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) insurance options (you will need to do additional internet searching with regard to PPACA) – be sure to include a discussion of the differences between Medicare, Medicaid, and PPACA insurance in terms of eligibility, cost, benefits, services provided, and limitations in services; 2). Additionally, select a specific population (e.g. middle class, elderly, single adults, etc.) and explain how the PPACA may or may not increase affordability, health insurance coverage, and access to health care services for the population you selected; 3). Finally, describe special programs that your state’s Medicaid program offers to increase access to care for vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women, children, single mothers, or immigrants. respond by Day 6 to at least one colleague in one or more of the following ways:
Suggest additional differences between Medicare, Medicaid, and PPACA that your colleague did not mention.
Expand on your colleague’s post on the PPACA regarding affordability, the rate of health insurance coverage, and access to health care.
Explain any insights you gained from your colleague’s post about the Medicare, Medicaid, or PPACA
Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the reading resources and other the current literature (as applicable) using appropriate APA format and style.