I need a response to the below discussion post, use per reviewed articles and reference it all

Health services for special populations is the most recent factor we have discussed in this course, but the one I found to be the most interesting and informative. This factor falls under the domain of access in health care. Health services for special populations discusses population groups facing challenges and barriers in accessing health care services (Shi & Singh 2019). I found this factor to be most interesting because although we have learned about the disparities that are seen in health care, this chapter provides specific data points that puts into perspective the barriers certain populations have faced in the past and still face every day in health care. For example, Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, and American Indians all are prominent populations that face the greatest barriers in access to health care. According to Shi & Singh (2019), “Black Americans are more likely to be economically disadvantaged than whites” (p. 438). With this data, we can assume that with this disadvantage, they may not be able to afford or access a wider variety of health care services as other populations. I learned most from this factor because it allows me to recognize my privilege in access to health care. I am very fortunate to not have any issues getting access to health care thus far in my life, but this chapter puts into perspective just how many people face barriers and challenges. It makes me want to learn more and try and contribute my knowledge to close these barriers to give every population equal access to health care.

There are solutions that can improve health services for special populations. One solution is health care reform. Despite the progress the Affordable Care Act has made, there are still many Americans that still lack adequate access to health care (Scheffler 2022). A reform would improve affordability of health care though the financing system, which would also then improve individuals to obtain access to care. Scheffler (2022) states, “Health care reform is not just an economic issue and a political issue, but a moral one” (p. 151). Another solution within health care reform is incremental proposals. This is through making small improvements in health care. A recommendation made is that incremental proposals could create an option for certain populations to buy into Medicare or Medicaid (Scheffler 2022). In the case of health services for special populations, this could allow more equal access to care in the future. I believe that the U.S. has made significant strides in this factor. However, there is still room for much more improvement. There has been more access to care, but as costs continue to increase each year for health care, it is almost impossible for individuals to continue to meet these high demands. If we continue to advocate for equal access to care in the future hopefully, we will continue to improve care for special populations.