How can learning from abroad help policymakers engage in a process of self-examination of health policy at home?

You are an employee of a think tank in Washington, DC. The director has been asked to testify before a congressional committee on the following question: In reforming the ACA, what lessons should the United States learn from relevant experience abroad?
Your job is to write a memorandum that will help the director answer this question. In writing this memo, you should address the following questions:
1) How can learning from abroad help policymakers engage in a process of self-examination of health policy at home?
2) What is the difference between NHS and NHI systems?
3) What should members of Congress know about China’s problems and aspirations in health policy?
4) What lessons from abroad would be most relevant in reforming ACA?
RUBRIC
Rubric: Case Study
Evaluation Score
Content
 Response to discussion question is reflective with critical
analysis representative of knowledge gained from the
course readings, and or other peer reviewed sources
/5 points
Comments:
Scholarly Writing
 Substantive discussion that addresses diverse viewpoints
which are relevant to nursing and or other disciplines (i.e.
ethics, economics, law, health policy, public health &
medicine)
/15 points
Comments:
APA Format
 Proper spelling, grammar, sentence structure /10 points
ANSWER
Memorandum
To: Director of Think Tank
From: Bard, AI Researcher
Date: August 4, 2023
Subject: Lessons from Abroad for Reforming the ACA
1. How can learning from abroad help policymakers engage in a process of self-examination of health policy at home?
Learning from abroad can help policymakers engage in a process of self-examination of health policy at home by providing them with a comparative perspective. By seeing how other countries have structured their health systems, policymakers can identify strengths and weaknesses in the US system and consider how to improve it.
For example, policymakers in the US could look to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) for inspiration on how to provide universal healthcare coverage. The NHS is a publicly funded system that provides comprehensive healthcare services to all UK residents. While the NHS is not without its flaws, it has been shown to be effective in providing high-quality care to a large population.
Policymakers could also look to other countries, such as Germany and Japan, for lessons on how to integrate private and public healthcare systems. These countries have hybrid systems that combine elements of both public and private insurance. This approach can help to achieve universal coverage while also maintaining choice and competition in the healthcare market.
By learning from the experiences of other countries, policymakers can gain a better understanding of the trade-offs involved in different health policy approaches. This can help them to develop more informed and effective reforms to the US system.
2. What is the difference between NHS and NHI systems?
The National Health Service (NHS) is a publicly funded health system in the United Kingdom. It is funded by general taxation and provides comprehensive healthcare services to all UK residents. The NHS is free at the point of use for most services.
National health insurance (NHI) systems are a type of universal healthcare system in which the government provides health insurance coverage to all citizens. NHI systems are typically funded through a combination of payroll taxes and general taxation.
The main difference between NHS and NHI systems is that NHS systems are typically more centralized and government-run, while NHI systems can be more decentralized and involve a greater role for private insurers.
3. What should members of Congress know about China’s problems and aspirations in health policy?
China is currently facing a number of challenges in its health system. These challenges include:
Rapidly aging population: China’s population is aging rapidly, which is putting a strain on the country’s healthcare system.
Growing income inequality: Income inequality in China is growing, which is leading to a widening gap in access to healthcare.
Substandard rural healthcare: Healthcare services in rural China are often substandard.
Out-of-pocket spending: Out-of-pocket spending on healthcare is high in China, which can put a financial burden on households.
Despite these challenges, China has also made significant progress in recent years in improving its health system. For example, China has expanded its health insurance coverage to over 95% of the population.
China’s aspirations for its health system include:
Universal healthcare coverage: China aims to achieve universal healthcare coverage for all citizens by 2030.
Improved quality of care: China aims to improve the quality of care in its healthcare system by investing in training and infrastructure.
More equitable access to care: China aims to reduce income inequality in access to healthcare.
Members of Congress should be aware of China’s challenges and aspirations in health policy as they consider reforms to the ACA. China’s experience may provide some useful lessons for the US, but it is important to be mindful of the different contexts of the two countries.
4. What lessons from abroad would be most relevant in reforming ACA?
The following lessons from abroad could be most relevant in reforming the ACA:
The importance of universal coverage: Universal coverage is essential for ensuring that all Americans have access to affordable, quality healthcare.
The need to control costs: Healthcare costs in the US are unsustainable. Reforms are needed to control costs without sacrificing quality.
The importance of preventive care: Preventive care is essential for keeping people healthy and reducing healthcare costs. Reforms should make preventive care more accessible and affordable.
The need to invest in public health: Public health measures, such as vaccination programs and disease prevention campaigns, can play a major role in improving the health of the population. Reforms should invest in public health programs.
The importance of patient engagement: Patients should be engaged in their own care and have a say in the decisions that are made about their treatment. Reforms should promote patient engagement.
The ACA has made some progress in achieving these goals, but there is still more work to