Okay, I can help you structure your research paper on the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Here’s a breakdown of the stages you’ve outlined, along with examples and tips to get you started:

Stage 1: ACA Summary & Problem Statement (600 words)

• Summary of the ACA: Briefly describe the key provisions of the ACA, including:

  • Expansion of Medicaid: This provided health insurance coverage to low-income individuals and families.

  • Individual Mandate: Required most Americans to have health insurance or pay a penalty.

  • Health Insurance Marketplaces: Established online marketplaces where individuals could compare and purchase plans.

  • Essential Health Benefits: Mandated that all health insurance plans cover a set of essential benefits.

  • Pre-existing Condition Protections: Prohibited insurance companies from denying coverage or charging higher premiums based on pre-existing conditions.

• Problem Statement: Identify a specific issue related to the ACA that you’ll focus on. For example:

  • Problem: The ACA’s individual mandate has been repealed, leading to reduced enrollment and a less stable health insurance market.

  • Why it Matters: This instability can result in higher premiums, fewer choices, and potential access issues for those who need coverage.

  • Solution: Propose a policy solution, such as a tax credit or a revised individual mandate, to address the problem.

Stage 2: Source Annotations (10 sources)

• Find Peer-Reviewed Sources: Use databases like PubMed, JSTOR, or Google Scholar to locate relevant research articles published within the past three years.

• Annotation Template: Use the provided template to record the following for each source:

  • Citation (APA format):

  • Summary of Main Points: Briefly describe the key findings or arguments presented in the article.

  • Connection to Your Problem Statement: Explain how the source relates to the specific issue you’re examining.

  • Potential Use in Your Paper: Note how you might use the information from this source to support your arguments.

Stage 3: Full-Sentence Outline

• Thesis Statement: This is your main argument or point you’ll prove throughout the paper. For example: “Despite the ACA’s successes, the repeal of the individual mandate has destabilized the health insurance market, leading to increased premiums and reduced coverage. This requires a policy intervention, such as a revised mandate or tax incentives, to ensure a more stable and affordable system.”

• Issues to be Addressed: List the major sections of your paper, outlining the main points you’ll cover.

  • Introduction: Overview of the ACA, its significance, and your research focus.

  • Literature Review: Summarize key research on the ACA, its successes, challenges, and the specific issue you’re addressing.

  • Problem Statement: Reiterate your problem statement in more detail, including evidence from sources to support the claims.

  • Research Questions: Formulate specific questions that guide your research, such as “What are the effects of the individual mandate repeal on premium costs and enrollment?”

  • Methods: Briefly describe how you’ll collect and analyze data for your research.

  • Discussion: Present your findings, analyze their significance, and offer solutions to the problem.

  • Conclusion: Summarize key points, reiterate your thesis, and discuss the broader implications of your research.

• Preliminary Reference List: Include at least 10 scholarly sources in APA format.

Stage 4: Final Research Paper (4,500 words)

• Introduction: Engage the reader with a compelling opening, provide background on the ACA, and state your thesis.

• Literature Review: Summarize relevant research on the ACA, focusing on the issue you’ve chosen.

• Problem Statement: Elaborate on your problem statement, providing detailed evidence from sources to support your claims.

• Research Questions: State the specific questions guiding your research, providing context for the study.

• Methods: Describe how you gathered and analyzed information for your research. Even if you’re not conducting original research, explain how you selected and synthesized information from your sources.

• Discussion: Present your findings, connect them to the research questions, and analyze their significance.

• Conclusion: Summarize your key arguments, restate your thesis, and discuss the implications of your research.

Final Tips:

• Use Current APA Format: Follow the current edition of the APA style guide for formatting and referencing.

• Proofread Carefully: Ensure your paper is free from grammatical and spelling errors.

• Include a Reference List: List all sources cited in the paper in APA format.

• Integrate Biblical Perspectives: Consider how biblical principles, such as justice, compassion, and care for the poor, relate to your research topic.

Remember, this is a complex topic! Researching, analyzing, and writing a thorough paper will take time. Break down the task into manageable steps, utilize resources effectively, and don’t hesitate to seek help from your instructors or peers.