Policy Formulation, Research Paper Example

The American Health Care System:  Policy Formulation

Introduction

The field of policy research, which incorporates policy formulation, has a long history in the United States and has evolved over time. Policy formulation has been majorly influenced by the desire of the government and other actors to curb problems facing the public and the state’s developmental needs. Patel and Rushefsky argue that as social problems mounted and issues were found to be inherently difficult, so programmes to study those expanded (Patel & Rushefsky, 2006).

The term policy as defined in Birkland (2005, p. 3) is a course of action taken primarily because it is expedient or beneficial. The paper discusses about the formulation of public policy, in this case the state bureaucracy makes decisions, takes appropriate actions and other necessary measures that will prove beneficial to the society in general.

From the above definition, we can deduce that policy formulation is a prerogative of the government’s bureaucracy which results to what is commonly referred to as public policy. These types of policy are formulated with the interest of the citizens in mind, though it leads to public outcry in a number of occasions.

The policy cycle in the United States of America is influenced and shaped by the constitutional, institutional, political, economic, ideological, and technological environment within which it operates (Patel & Rushefsky, 2006). The varying environment characterises the needs at the time, therefore different policies are adopted by different regimes.

The American health care system

According to Patel and Rushesfky (2006, p. 29), the American health care politics and policies are shaped by a various factors. Health policy reflects a combination of initiatives taken by institutions and actors in both the public and private sectors.

The current administration adopted a policy shift in the health care system that is expected to overhaul the sector. The recent adoption of the health care bill is a good example of policy formulation that will direct the formulation of this paper. The legislation of the recent health bill resulted in a policy shift that is still in progress. The shift involves strengthening the social protection programmes in place by enabling a larger number of Americans gain access to health insurance.

Policy formulation procedure

There are various steps in the process of policy formulation that are followed in the formulation of policies in the United States. Various policies, including the policies governing the health care systems, follow the sequence in this procedure.

Problem identification and definition

Policies are usually formulated in response to a problem that needs to be addressed (Birkland, 2005). The term problem in this case does not necessarily imply a negative situation, but various issues can be formulated as problems. These include the change in policies to put in place more efficient and effective policies.

Once the problem to be addressed is identified, various stakeholders including the public, government officers involved, experts in the fields and academics are involved in the process. The aim of the participation of different people is to see to it as many views as feasible are taken into consideration in the policy formulation process (Dye, 1992).

Defining a problem may look easy in the initial case, but it is the most important step in policy formulation (Patel and Rushefsky, 2006, p. 27). Problem identification may take a long time, this may result in public outcry that may attract the various stakeholders’ interest, or may prompt research that will suggest formulation of a policy to address the problem. It may also be initiated by the desire for policy change, where existing policies are considered outdated and not reflecting the needs at the times.

Political interest is the most powerful force in problem identification, where a political party may call for the formulation of policies that may be beneficial to the politicians affiliated to the party. The major influence of politics in policy formulation reflects the political nature of such policies and may not necessarily be aimed at tackling social problems. This is a defining stage in policy formulation since it is the step that prompts the entire process.

Agenda setting

Once a problem is identified and the various stakeholders provide their inputs, policy formulation takes another dimension. The various stakeholders lobby for their positions to get more consideration. Experts working with or for the government are also involved in determining the best alternative by setting the agenda that would guide the formulation of a particular policy.

Taking the recent health care bill adopted by the current administration as an example, the agenda was largely guided by the desire to strengthen social protection programmes. Social protection has been the agenda that has governed and influenced to a great extent the formulation of policies globally.Agenda setting may lead to a number of standoffs especially between politicians, experts in the field and the public (Birkland, 2005). The three stakeholders often have different interests and are characterised by their influence in policy formulation. As was experienced in the entire process of the formulation and legislation of the American health care bill that involved a number of conflicting ideologies

Policy design

This is the stage where the fine details of the policy are formulated involving key government figures such as the bureaucrats, legislative staff and key interest groups. This is the stage where the policy is stated in the way that is desirable and reflecting the structure of a public policy.

Policy legislation

This is another critical stage in the process of policy formulation, where a policy may be authorised, amended or even rejected. This is the stage where political influence is at its most influential, where varying interest influence such decisions.

This stage largely involves lobbying by the political regime calling for the adoption of the policy garnering for legislative support, in this case done by the congress. Based on the recently adopted health care bill that revolutionised the health care system in the United States, there was a lot of lobbying involving democrats seeking the required legislative numbers to adopt such policy changes.

Policy adoption and implementation

Once the policy is legislated and adopted by the government, there rises the need to put into place the relevant structures required to implement the policy. These may include training the personnel required to implement such policies.

The government adopts various programs that are reflect the policy requirements through budgetary support, delegation of authority and setting up the necessary regulations which are done by the executive arm of the government.

Conclusion

Policy formulation is a continuous process that involves adoption of new policies and changes in existing ones depending on the policy needs at the time. The process involves various stakeholders with vested interests, although in real situations the political interest overrides other interests.

A good policy should be beneficial to the society and address the needs of the public. This is usually hampered by the vested interests of various organizations and other stakeholders. This usually jeopardises the influence and implementation of such policies.

The recent shift in the policy governing the health care system may face a number of challenges in its implementation based on the outcry during its legislation. Such parties may ensure such a policy does not fulfil the required objectives.

References

Birkland, T. A. (2005). An introduction to the policy process: theories, models and concepts of public policy making, (2^nd Ed.). New York: M.E. Sharpe Inc.

Dye, T. R. (1992). Understanding public policy. New York: Prentice Hall.

Patel, K. & Rushefsky, M. (2006). Health care politics and policies in America. (3^rd ed.) New York: M.E. Sharpe Inc.