Article
Social Justice and Advanced Cancer Patients: an Analysis of Key Policies
Journal of Policy Practice and Research
(2020)
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose This policy analysis examines key aspects of two policies fundamental to work with terminal cancer patients: the Medicare Hospice Benefit and Medicare policy in palliative care. End-of-life care, affected by these policies, should address physical, emotional, and spiritual suffering for all vulnerable groups.
Methods Using Gilbert and Terrell’s framework, social allocations, social provisions, service delivery, and financing are examined to better understand each policy’s effects on equality, equity, and adequacy for terminally ill cancer patients.Results In practice, each has substantially socially unjust effects for cancer patients. Disproportionate advantages result for those who are white, have family caregiving support systems, those with higher socioeconomic status, and individuals with stable insurance coverage.
Conclusion The Medicare Hospice Benefit and Medicare coverage for palliative care need to be better understood by policy practitioners and all practitioners in health care settings. Advocacy can contribute to improved equity in end-of-life cancer care.
Keywords
- Oncology Socialjustice.End-of-lifecare.Palliativecare.Medicare.Health policy
Disciplines
Publication Date
May 13, 2020
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s42972-020-00003-0
Citation Information
Suzanne Marmo and Shannon Lane. "Social Justice and Advanced Cancer Patients: an Analysis of Key Policies" Journal of Policy Practice and Research (2020) ISSN: 2662-1517 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/suzanne-marmo-roman/16/