Discussion: In 2010, the Affordable Care Act opens up the 45-year-old Medicare program to the biggest changes since its inception. Discuss the components of the Affordable Care Act that you think will have a positive effect on improving health care outcomes and decreasing costs. Rationale must be provided May use examples from your nursing practice 400 words minimum without the reference Minimum of two references in APA format within the last five years published
The Affordable Care Act (ACA), signed into law in 2010, brought about significant changes to the Medicare program. This legislation aimed to increase access to healthcare, improve health outcomes, and address the rising costs of medical services. In this discussion, we will analyze the components of the ACA that have the potential to positively impact health care outcomes and decrease costs. Furthermore, we will provide examples from nursing practice to illustrate the practical effects of these provisions.
One key component of the ACA is the expansion of Medicaid eligibility. Prior to the ACA, eligibility for Medicaid was limited to certain low-income groups, such as pregnant women, children, and individuals with disabilities. However, under the ACA, states have the option to expand their Medicaid programs to cover all individuals with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level. This expansion has resulted in increased coverage for millions of individuals, including those who were previously uninsured or underinsured. Research has shown that individuals with insurance coverage are more likely to have regular access to preventive services, chronic disease management, and timely interventions, all of which contribute to improved health outcomes (Kovner et al., 2018).
For example, in my nursing practice, I have witnessed the positive impact of Medicaid expansion on patients’ health outcomes. Previously, I cared for a diabetic patient who could not afford insulin due to a lack of insurance coverage. However, after the expansion of Medicaid in our state, the patient became eligible for coverage and was able to access the necessary medications and regular check-ups with a healthcare provider. As a result, the patient’s blood sugar levels stabilized, reducing the risk of complications and improving overall health.
Another provision of the ACA that has the potential to improve health outcomes and decrease costs is the emphasis on preventive care. The law requires coverage of certain preventive services without cost-sharing, such as immunizations, mammograms, and screenings for chronic conditions. By promoting preventative measures, the ACA aims to detect and address health issues before they become more serious or costly to treat. For instance, regular screenings for breast cancer can lead to early detection and intervention, increasing the chances of successful treatment and reducing the need for extensive and costly treatments in later stages of the disease.
From my own nursing practice, one notable example of the impact of preventive care is the provision of free flu vaccines to patients. In previous years, many individuals, particularly those without insurance coverage, did not seek out yearly influenza vaccinations due to cost issues. However, under the ACA, these vaccines are now accessible to a larger population, including those with lower incomes. As a result, we have observed a decrease in the number of flu cases requiring hospitalizations, ultimately reducing healthcare costs and improving health outcomes for the community.
Furthermore, the ACA encourages the implementation of accountable care organizations (ACOs) and bundled payment models, which promote coordinated care and address the overutilization of healthcare services. ACOs are groups of healthcare providers who collaborate to deliver high-quality care to a population of patients. These organizations are incentivized to deliver efficient and cost-effective care by linking financial rewards to improved health outcomes and reduced medical expenses. On the other hand, bundled payment models provide a fixed payment for a specific episode of care, encouraging healthcare providers to work together to deliver comprehensive and coordinated services at a lower cost.