Select an area of public policy affecting older adults in American society. Identify a major piece of social legislation within this policy arena, e.g., Income Support – OASDI (Social Security), Health Care – Medicare or Medicaid, and Social Services – Older Americans Act. Students will write a 6-8 (APA style, 6th edition, NOT including Title and Reference pages) policy brief, an advocacy and policy-making tool that provides an analysis of a current issue.
Policy briefs are directed at a specific audience involved in or impacted by the issue and/or who has the ability to implement your policy recommendations.
Your analysis should draw upon literature and resources pertinent to the topic.
1) Describe the Legislation
Type of Benefits (Cash or Services)
Eligibility Requirements (Age and/or Need)
Financing (General revenues or Earmarked Tax)
Administration (Level of Government)
2) Explain the historical and socio-economic context in which the policy was enacted.
3) Discuss the program impact on clients served by your agency or older adults in your community or senior citizens throughout the country. Give particular attention to its impact on at-risk groups of older people.
4) Analyze one or more current issues regarding the adequacy and effectiveness of the program.
5) Make recommendations for improving the program, e.g., new legislation, changes in service provision, improved service delivery.
