Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is currently one of the major health problems that affect a significant number of Americans. It is estimated that about 13% of the US population is suffering from the disease, and this accounts for approximately two million Americans ( Thomas, Kanso & Sedor, 2008) . The number of people who are suffering CKD is expected to increase as the number of elderly persons is surging countrywide. CKD is one of the most expensive diseases in the USA and around the world. People with CKD are forced to spend about $ $39,873 annually, and the amount is expected to increase in the future ( Ozieh et al ., 2018) . The government, on the other hand, spends about $24.6 billion annually to address the problem of CKD that is increasingly becoming common in the country ( Ozieh et al ., 2018) . Consequently, many policies are currently being formulated by legislators to help in addressing some of the issues associated with CKD. Access to Marketplace Insurance (AMI) is one of the policies that are aimed at solving the problem of CKS, particularly among low-income and elderly persons in the USA.
Description of AMI and Intended Population
According to the analysis that was done by Williams (2015), lack of health insurance coverage, especially private insurance, is one of the main reasons why a significant number of low-income, minority groups, and elderly people are suffering from CKD in the USA. The increased accessibility of health insurance and financial assistance is one of the strategies that can be used to solve the problem of CKD among low-income and elderly persons in American society. As a result, AMI was proposed by the legislatures in 2017 with the primary intention of ensuring that insurance companies do not discriminate low-income and elderly persons with CKD or any other renal disease ( Cramer, 2017) . The concerned legislators realized that, currently, the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) policy does not allow non-profit charities to directly premium and co-pay assistance to patients with CKD. Thus, AMI policy aims at ensuring that insurance companies accept premium payments directly from charity organizations.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Specifically, when the Congress passes it, the policy will give charity organizations the opportunity to help insured patients with CKD who are not able to pay their insurance premium without facing the risk of breaking the law. The CMC policy has been accused of discriminating against low-income individuals and disadvantaged people in society ( Cramer, 2017) . Besides, the policy will ensure that Americans can access kidney disease education and awareness programs, helping them in managing diseases like CKD. Hence, AMI policy is essential to persons with CKD, particularly those who are not able to pay for health premiums.
Legislators Involved in Policy Development and Dissemination
The main legislator who is involved in the AMI policy development and dissemination is Kevin Cramer who is currently serving as the senator for North Dakota ( Cramer, 2017) . Cramer has been passionate about health issues affecting the vulnerable and disadvantaged people in American society. He introduced the policy in 2017 to correct some of the weaknesses of the current health care system in the country. Cramer’s sponsored policy has the support of the majority of legislators, enhancing the possibility of its success.
Role of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses ( APRNs ) in Assisting with the Policy
APRNs play a critical in health policy development because of their in-depth understanding of health issues. Specifically, they have played an active role in developing policies aimed at improving primary care and preventions in the country ( Lathrop & Hodnicki, 2014) . One of the main objectives of AMI policy is to create education and awareness programs to reduce adverse effects of CKD. Therefore, the primary role of APRNs to advise legislators on some of the factors that should be considered in the policy formulation and implementations. Cramer has involved many health professionals, including APRNs. Hence, the professionals have a role in to play in the formulation and development of the policy.
How the Policy Influence Clinical Practice and Promote Best Outcomes
AMI policy will improve the timely diagnosis and the management of patients with CKD in the USA. Currently, the high cost associated with CKD is some of the major reasons for the late diagnosis (Williams, 2015). At the same time, patients need to spend a lot of money to manage CKD. However, by expanding the insurance coverage for low-income persons, clinicians will be able to effectively diagnose and manage CKD, resulting in improved patient outcomes. A significant number of patients with CKD will be able to access quality care services. According to Cramer, the policy will give CKD patients to access care that is right for them ( Cramer, 2017) .
How the Interprofessional Team can use the Policy
The AMI policy will ensure close coordination between medical and insurance professionals to work together towards reducing the challenges associated with CKD. It will make sure that insurance companies release funds to treat patients with CKD within the required time ( Cramer, 2017) . At the same time, medical professionals will not be subject to financial uncertainties as they treat patients. As a result, there will be improved coordination between different professionals, leading to the provision of quality and compressive care.
Conclusion
CKD is a disease that is affecting millions of Americans, especially low-income earners and the elderly. The introduction of AMI policy is likely to help in addressing the challenges linked to the disease, especially concerning accessing health insurance coverage. Besides, APRNs has a role in ensuring that the policy addresses the specific needs of patients and it provides a long-term solution to the problem. Policies like AMI should be encouraged to reduce the negative impact of CKD.
References
Cramer, K. (2017, October 5). In an uncertain health care environment, Congress should swiftly protect patients most in need. Retrieved from https://thehill.com/blogs/congress- blog/healthcare/352982-in-uncertain-health-care-environment-congress-should-swiftly
Lathrop, B., & Hodnicki, D. (2014). The Affordable Care Act: Primary care and the doctor of the nursing practice nurse. Online journal of issues in nursing , 19 (2).
Ozieh, M. N., Bishu, K. G., Dismuke, C. E., & Egede, L. E. (2017). Trends in healthcare expenditure in united states adults with chronic kidney disease: 2002–2011. BMC health services research , 17 (1), 368-382.
Thomas, R., Kanso, A., & Sedor, J. R. (2008). Chronic kidney disease and its complications. Primary care: Clinics in office practice , 35 (2), 329-344.
Williams, A. W. (2015). Health policy, disparities, and the kidney. Advances in chronic kidney disease , 22 (1), 54-59.
