Social Welfare Policy

Unit 5 – Public Policy and American Democracy

Social welfare policy is closely connected to hospice care because hospice programs serve vulnerable populations, specifically elderly and terminally ill individuals. Social welfare policies were created in order to support people who may not be able to fully support themselves, and Medicare’s Hospice Benefit is an example of a government program created to meet this need.

Medicare’s hospice policy determines who qualifies for care, what services are covered, and how long patients can receive support. These policy decisions directly influence how hospice organizations function and whether they can meet patient needs effectively. Without government-supported social welfare programs, many elderly individuals would not be able to afford end-of-life care.

While volunteering at Hospice of the Valley, I saw how hospice care improves the quality of life for patients and families. However, I also observed how policy limitations, such as funding restrictions and eligibility rules, can affect access to care. This shows how social welfare policy decisions shape healthcare outcomes and demonstrates the importance of effective public policy in supporting elderly populations.