Document Type
Thesis
First Faculty Advisor
Richard Holtzman
Second Faculty Advisor
Michael Roberto
Keywords
healthcare; lobbying; minority communities
Publisher
Bryant University
Abstract
The United States healthcare system suffers from significant flaws stemming from the absence of universal healthcare and entrenched systemic racism, resulting in a predominantly market-driven approach to healthcare provision. Unfortunately, this has created barriers that disproportionately limit access to healthcare for minority communities. The unequal healthcare landscape reflects the culmination of disparate health policies and social determinants of health. Moreover, the influence of large corporations and Washington's K Street on the legislation through lobbying further exacerbates these systemic disparities. This paper aims to explore the impact of lobbying on healthcare access for minority communities by analyzing two bills. By identifying the emerging trends in each bill, one of which successfully transitioned into law, we can better understand the relationship between healthcare access for minority communities and lobbying.
Comments
The primary contribution of this thesis is an initial exploration of a significant gap in the literature regarding the connection between healthcare access and lobbying, particularly in minority communities. Specifically, while there is research on the lobbying of the health care industry and research on the social determinants of health in minority communities, there is nothing that focuses on how the former influences that later. The paper was designed for individuals to who want to further explore the connection between these elements.