[Mariah_Smith]

in reply to: From Separate to Equal and The 1619 Project #772

c. Healthcare Policy
In 1996, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was passed into law during the Clinton Administration. The law comprises many crucial protections for Americans. It allows those who have lost their jobs to continue their health insurance, regulates healthcare fraud, and provides privacy to medical patients.

Many are aware of HIPAA because it requires confidentiality when handling health-related information. This was pivotal for healthcare reform because it warrants the use of relevant information while protecting patients’ privacy. The act protects one’s mental health condition, provision of care, and payment for healthcare treatment, to name a few . I firmly believe HIPAA is responsible for the doctor-patient confidentiality we have come to expect.
The less-known HIPAA regulation relates to health insurance. One is eligible if they have been under a group health plan and applied for individual health insurance within 63 days of coverage loss . This coverage is important because, especially since the outbreak of COVID-19, many Americans are left without coverage after losing their jobs. There is a general consensus among Americans that HIPAA is necessary.
Another healthcare policy is the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA or Obamacare) which is quite polarizing in America. Signed into law in 2010 by President Obama, the Affordable Care Act was intended to make healthcare more accessible and easier to understand. The law requires providers to charge the same amount to cover those with pre-existing conditions (such as pregnancy). It emphasizes preventative care and allows children to stay on their parents’ health insurance until they are 26 years old. Although seldom talked about, there are additional benefits such as mental health services and breastfeeding support.

So why would the ACA be so controversial? Aside from a black president signing it into law, some believe it is government overreach because it requires people to buy healthcare. It also uses taxpayer money to provide coverage which is not a popular idea among some Americans. Although the law is flawed in some areas, its unpopularity mainly stems from resentment of America’s healthcare system overall.
For this reason, I believe the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act was more successful than the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act as both liberals and conservatives alike push for its reform. HIPAA is generally well received. While Obamacare has provided health insurance for over twenty-million people, HIPAA’s regulations will likely remain in place for decades to come.

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[Mariah_Smith]

in reply to: From Separate to Equal and The 1619 Project #756

This is a great response! I was curious as to the “illogical thinking” phrasing however, as I believe racism is quite intentional. Are you referring to the idea that black Americans are viewed as subhuman? I would love to know your thoughts. (this is to Lauren I’m not sure if I am using the “reply” function correctly)

[Mariah_Smith]

in reply to: From Separate to Equal and The 1619 Project #744

1619 Project Response
a) When reading the 1619 Project magazine, I felt enlightened and empowered. Nikole Hannah-Jones expertly highlighted the severity and impact of slavery, while connecting the industry to cultural pride. Many black Americans are frowned upon for having pride in their country even though America would not be a global power without their labor. It was refreshing to see the commentary on Lincoln and his aversion to black equality. Historically, Abraham Lincoln is regarded as a champion of black rights which is not a complete truth.
b) It was mentioned that black people were viewed as an obstacle to national unity, which I found quite profound. The second black people could not be used for free labor, they were regarded as a burden. The blunt language used stood out to me because it is essential to clearly outline the horrors of racism in plain language. It was notable that Ms. Hannah-Jones’ attitude shifted from “shame” to pride in the flag and her country as she gained more knowledge.

[Mariah_Smith]

in reply to: From Separate to Equal and The 1619 Project #743

“From Separate to Equal” Response
a) One cannot have an intellectually honest conversation on the history of healthcare in America without discussing the treatment of black Americans. To this day, black people are skeptical of medical professionals due to the way that their ancestors were treated. A space had to be made specifically for non-white doctors, nurses, and patients. The concentration on Kansas City specifically really added relevance to the documentary as it pertains to the Institute. Segregation was heavily enforced there, yet the black hospital in the city had to serve white patients as well. I felt an overwhelming sense of pride in the accomplishments of those who came before me. I have heard about atrocities doctors have committed to enslaved people, but I was able to learn so much more about the industry post-slavery.
b) The attitude of intolerance stood out most to me, specifically with the General hospital #2 when the black interns were said to “fail” a test but when re-graded (without race disclosed) they all passed. It is extremely difficult to thrive in a system where all cards are stacked against you. However, it was interesting how a speaker cited segregation as the reason why African Americans were able to strive for greatness in the medical industry. It was said that segregation caused black people to strive for higher positions rather than simply remain content with positions white corporations allowed them to have. I was not, however, surprised by the positivity exhibited by the black doctors of the time despite hardship.

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