Read over the list of Key Organizations on the NICHSR website. https://www.nlm.nih.gov/hsrph.html Using the website above, select an organization from each of the three categories: Federal Agencies, Association and Organizations, International Organizations, Associations that has a role in influencing health policy. For each of your three chosen sites, describe the organization’s chief purpose and give one example of a policy it has influenced. (Hint: visit the organization’s website.)

Nr524: health policy, advocacy and economics in healthcare

Federal Agencies: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is a federal agency within the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Its primary role is to administer and regulate the Medicare and Medicaid programs. These programs provide healthcare coverage to individuals who are elderly, disabled, or have low income. CMS has influenced health policy in various ways, such as implementing payment reforms to improve healthcare quality, reducing healthcare costs, and increasing access to healthcare services. For example, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) introduced several payment and delivery system reforms, including the Medicare Shared Savings Program and the Hospital Value-Based Purchasing Program, which CMS has implemented.

Association and Organizations: American Public Health Association (APHA) The American Public Health Association (APHA) is a professional organization representing public health professionals in the United States. The organization’s chief purpose is to improve the health of the public by promoting public health policies and practices, advocating for public health funding, and providing education and training to public health professionals. APHA has influenced health policy in various ways, such as advocating for the inclusion of public health provisions in legislation, promoting evidence-based public health policies, and organizing public health campaigns. For example, APHA has advocated for policies to address health disparities and social determinants of health, such as supporting the Affordable Care Act and promoting policies to increase access to healthy food and safe environments.

International Organizations, Associations: World Health Organization (WHO) The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for promoting health and well-being worldwide. Its chief purpose is to provide leadership and coordinate international efforts to prevent, control, and treat diseases, promote health, and reduce health inequalities. WHO has influenced health policy in various ways, such as developing global health policies and guidelines, providing technical assistance to countries, and promoting research and innovation in health. For example, WHO has played a significant role in responding to global health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, by providing guidance on public health measures, facilitating the development and distribution of vaccines and therapeutics, and supporting countries’ health systems.