1-What is in the law? discuss 5 things that are listed in the Affordable Care Act (500 words, APA Format) 2———————— 1-list 6 core determinants of health. 2-list 6 ways to ensure that you’re prepared for advocacy around a specific issue. 3- Political analysis involves nine components. list 5 4- The Process of Conversations. list the four stages. 5- List guidelines for getting your message across. (see text book)
1) The Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, is a comprehensive healthcare reform law enacted in the United States in 2010. The ACA includes numerous provisions aimed at improving access to affordable healthcare and enhancing the quality of care provided. In this essay, we will discuss five key elements outlined in the Affordable Care Act.
Firstly, the ACA introduced the individual mandate, which requires most Americans to have health insurance or face a penalty. This provision was implemented to increase the number of individuals covered by health insurance and to reduce the cost burden on the healthcare system. By mandating individuals to have health insurance, the ACA aims to achieve a more balanced risk pool, spreading the costs of healthcare more evenly among the population.
Secondly, the ACA expanded Medicaid eligibility, allowing individuals with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level to qualify for Medicaid. This provision aimed to provide healthcare coverage to low-income individuals who were previously ineligible for Medicaid but also could not afford private health insurance. The expansion of Medicaid has significantly increased the number of Americans with access to healthcare services, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Thirdly, the ACA established health insurance marketplaces, also known as exchanges, where individuals can shop for and purchase insurance plans. These marketplaces offer a range of standardized health insurance options and provide subsidies to eligible individuals to make coverage more affordable. By creating a transparent and competitive marketplace, the ACA aims to enhance consumer choice and drive down healthcare costs through increased competition among insurers.
Additionally, the ACA implemented a series of essential health benefit requirements. These requirements mandate that all insurance plans, including those sold through the marketplaces, cover a set of essential health services. Essential health benefits include items and services such as preventative care, hospitalization, prescription drugs, and maternity care. By ensuring that these services are covered, the ACA seeks to improve the overall quality and comprehensiveness of healthcare plans.
Lastly, the ACA includes numerous provisions to promote preventative care and improve public health. The law mandates that insurers cover certain preventative services, such as immunizations, screenings, and preventive counseling, without cost-sharing for patients. This emphasis on preventative care is aimed at reducing the incidence and severity of chronic diseases, improving overall health outcomes, and ultimately reducing healthcare costs in the long run.
In conclusion, the Affordable Care Act encompasses a wide range of provisions designed to improve access to affordable healthcare and enhance the quality of care provided. The individual mandate, Medicaid expansion, health insurance marketplaces, essential health benefit requirements, and promotion of preventative care are just a few of the key elements outlined in the ACA. Although the law has faced ongoing debates and challenges, it has undeniably brought significant changes to the U.S. healthcare system and millions of Americans’ access to healthcare services.
References:
1. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, 42 U.S.C. § 18001 et seq. (2010).
2. Koller CF, Khatta M, Silow-Carroll S, et al. Taking Stock: Health Insurance Coverage under the ACA as of Fall 2019. The Commonwealth Fund. Published February 7, 2020. https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/2020/feb/taking-stock-health-insurance-coverage-under-aca-fall-2019. Accessed February 28, 2022.
3. Syed ST, Gerber BS, Sharp LK. Traveling towards disease: transportation barriers to health care access. J Community Health. 2013;38(5):976-993. doi:10.1007/s10900-013-9681-1.