Understanding the Contraception Regulation Debate: Legal, Moral and Regulatory Implications
Background What is contraception? Reproductive health access has been a consistent topic in American politics since the Supreme Court’s recent Dobbs v. Jackson decision, which overturned the constitutional right to an abortion established in Roe v. Wade. One aspect of this debate is the right to contraception, which was first affirmed through Griswold v. Connecticut […]
Understanding the Rural Hospital Reimbursement Debate: The Medicare Wage Index Dilemma and Budget Neutrality
Background and Introduction In 2021, Medicare accounted for $900 billion, or 21% of U.S. healthcare spending, making it a critical revenue source for hospitals. The way Medicare reimbursements are governed is a contentious issue, particularly due to the significant impact on rural hospitals, which often receive lower payments for their services. A key factor in […]
Pros and Cons of The HOPE Act 2023
What is The HOPE Act 2023 The Harnessing Opportunities by Pursuing Expungement (HOPE) Act of 2023 is a legislative proposal aimed at addressing the challenges faced by individuals with state cannabis offenses on their criminal records. The HOPE Act authorizes the Department of Justice (DOJ) to make grants to states and local governments to reduce […]
Understanding the Reproductive Freedom for All Act
Background on Reproductive Freedom The history of reproductive rights in the United States has been shaped by legal debates, societal perception, and ongoing conversations about autonomy and morality. Roe v. Wade, a landmark 1973 Supreme Court decision, legalized abortion nationwide by establishing a constitutional right to privacy in pregnancy decisions. In 2022, the Supreme Court […]
Pros and Cons of Prison Nursery Expansion in the United States
What are Prison Nurseries? United States prison nurseries are programs within correctional facilities that allow pregnant, incarcerated mothers to keep their infants with them from the child’s birth to the end of their sentence. Located within a separate wing of a prison, the nurseries are subject to decreased security and expanded mobility for inmates. Babies […]
Pros and Cons of the Menstrual Equity for All Act of 2021
What is Menstrual Equity and Period Poverty? Menstrual equity and period poverty are two global issues rooted in accessibility and affordability of menstrual products and reproductive healthcare. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 4 in 5 students in the United States knew someone who missed school due to struggles in attaining menstrual products. A second study […]
Pros and Cons of the First Step Act
The First Step Act The First Step Act is a bipartisan piece of criminal justice legislation signed into law in 2018, aiming to reduce crime while giving… citizens a chance at redemption.” The First Step Act (FSA) requires the Attorney General (AG) to develop a system for the Bureau of Prisons to assess the recidivism […]
Pros and Cons of the Medicaid-funded Housing Debate
What is Medicaid and Section 1115? Medicaid is a federal government-funded health insurance entitlement program that provides health coverage to primarily low-income and disadvantaged individuals. Each state runs its own Medicaid program, so eligibility and benefits may vary. While Medicaid benefits traditionally include physician and other health services, Section 1115 of the Social Security Act […]
The Health Care Debate for Undocumented Immigrants: What You Need to Know
What types of health insurance do immigrants currently qualify for? Undocumented immigrants are generally ineligible for federal healthcare programs due to immigration status regulations and public charge rules. Additionally, even immigrants who are “lawfully present” face barriers to accessing federal healthcare programs such as Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which are state-administered […]
The Medicaid Reentry Act Debate: The Pros and Cons of Healthcare Services for Returning Citizens
What is the Medicaid Reentry Act? The Medicaid Reentry Act is a proposed amendment to Medicaid law, designed to enhance healthcare access for incarcerated individuals, especially during their transition back into society. This legislation addresses healthcare disparities and improves health outcomes for a population often facing socioeconomic vulnerability. For example, despite approximately 58% of incarcerated […]