Assess how the social justice principle of equity has been applied to improve the health outcomes of people with disabilities in Australia. (8 marks)
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Judgment Statement
- The application of equity principles has been moderately effective in improving health outcomes for people with disabilities.
- This assessment examines healthcare accessibility and support system effectiveness.
Healthcare Accessibility
- Medicare and PBS subsidies demonstrate strong financial equity measures. These programs reduce medication costs and provide bulk-billing options for people with disabilities.
- These and other similar programs have resulted in significant improvements in basic healthcare access.
- However, specialist treatments still require high out-of-pocket expenses. Many wheelchair users report paying thousands for equipment not fully covered.
- This shows limited effectiveness in addressing all healthcare costs. The results indicate strong foundations but incomplete coverage.
Support System Effectiveness
- The NDIS achieves significant individualised support for participants. It provides funding for therapies, equipment and care based on personal needs.
- This demonstrates high effectiveness in tailoring services.
- Notwithstanding this success, implementation problems create major barriers. Long wait times and complex paperwork exclude many eligible people.
- Rural participants face minimal service options compared to cities.
- When all factors are considered, equity application remains inconsistent across locations.
Overall Assessment
- On balance, equity initiatives prove moderately successful with substantial room for improvement. While programs like NDIS and Medicare produce measurable results, gaps persist in coverage and access. The 30% employment gap between people with and without disabilities indicates systemic inequities remain.
- This assessment shows Australia needs more comprehensive equity strategies to ensure equal health outcomes for all people with disabilities.
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Judgment Statement
- The application of equity principles has been moderately effective in improving health outcomes for people with disabilities.
- This assessment examines healthcare accessibility and support system effectiveness.
Healthcare Accessibility
- Medicare and PBS subsidies demonstrate strong financial equity measures. These programs reduce medication costs and provide bulk-billing options for people with disabilities.
- These and other similar programs have resulted in significant improvements in basic healthcare access.
- However, specialist treatments still require high out-of-pocket expenses. Many wheelchair users report paying thousands for equipment not fully covered.
- This shows limited effectiveness in addressing all healthcare costs. The results indicate strong foundations but incomplete coverage.
Support System Effectiveness
- The NDIS achieves significant individualised support for participants. It provides funding for therapies, equipment and care based on personal needs.
- This demonstrates high effectiveness in tailoring services.
- Notwithstanding this success, implementation problems create major barriers. Long wait times and complex paperwork exclude many eligible people.
- Rural participants face minimal service options compared to cities.
- When all factors are considered, equity application remains inconsistent across locations.
Overall Assessment
- On balance, equity initiatives prove moderately successful with substantial room for improvement. While programs like NDIS and Medicare produce measurable results, gaps persist in coverage and access. The 30% employment gap between people with and without disabilities indicates systemic inequities remain.
- This assessment shows Australia needs more comprehensive equity strategies to ensure equal health outcomes for all people with disabilities.