Week 9 Discussion (Policy and Barrier to Healthcare) – GROUP 9

The things that make it hard for us to get medical care, treatment, health advice, or medication are often referred to as “barriers to care.” Some barriers are physical — the doctor is too far away — but most are a mix of economics, politics, and bureaucracy. Most barriers are either caused by or could be addressed by some health policy. For good summary of the issue of access and barriers to healthcare, read the overview of “Access to Health Services” in Healthy People 2020 (Links to an external site.).

This discussion has two parts.

1. Interview a relative or close friend about a barrier they personally faced accessing medical care. What happened? Why did it happen? How did it affect your friend or relative’s physical or mental health? (75-100 words)
   • Ex: Your brother-in-law was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1994, and his insurance paid for 6 visits to a psychologist per calendar year. This was very difficult for him because ….
2. Describe the policy that put up the barrier or the policy that has been created or proposed to break down that barrier. Provide a link to your source about the policy. (75-100 words)
   • Note: Your relative or friend will very likely know about the policy that caused the problem or could have solved it.
   • Ex: The Mental Health Parity Acts in 1996 and 2008 forced health insurance providers to cover mental health at the same level they cover physical health if they offer mental health benefits at all ….

• Your main post is due Thursday at 11:59 pm. The two parts together should be 150-200 words.
• Your reply to another student due by Saturday at 11:59 pm. It should be 30-50 words.