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 400 words in your initial post. Minimum of two scholarly references in APA format within the last five years published
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was signed into law in 2010 with the goal of increasing access to health insurance and improving the quality and affordability of healthcare in the United States. This landmark legislation introduced a number of components that have the potential to positively affect health care outcomes and decrease costs. In this discussion, we will explore three key components of the ACA: the expansion of Medicaid, the implementation of accountable care organizations (ACOs), and the emphasis on preventive care.
One of the major components of the ACA is the expansion of Medicaid eligibility. Prior to the ACA, Medicaid coverage was limited to low-income individuals and specific categories such as pregnant women, children, and individuals with disabilities. The ACA expanded Medicaid to include all individuals with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level. This expansion has the potential to increase access to healthcare for millions of low-income individuals who were previously uninsured.
Research has shown that Medicaid expansion leads to improvements in health outcomes. A study conducted by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that states that expanded Medicaid saw a significant reduction in mortality rates compared to states that did not expand Medicaid. The study estimated that for every 1,000 individuals who gained Medicaid coverage, there was a 6% reduction in the annual mortality rate. This suggests that expanding Medicaid can have a positive impact on health outcomes and potentially decrease healthcare costs associated with preventable deaths.
Another component of the ACA that has the potential to improve health outcomes and decrease costs is the implementation of accountable care organizations (ACOs). ACOs are groups of healthcare providers who come together to coordinate care for a specific population of patients. These organizations are accountable for the quality and cost of the care they provide, and they are incentivized to improve outcomes and reduce costs through shared savings arrangements.
Research has shown that ACOs have the potential to improve quality while reducing healthcare costs. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that Medicare ACOs reduced spending by approximately $780 million over three years while improving the quality of care. The study also found that ACOs were associated with reduced hospital readmissions and improved preventive care measures. These findings suggest that the implementation of ACOs under the ACA can lead to cost savings and improved health outcomes.
Furthermore, the ACA places a strong emphasis on preventive care. The legislation requires insurance plans to cover certain preventive services, such as vaccinations and screenings, without cost-sharing. This is significant because preventive care can help detect and address health issues early, before they become more serious and expensive to treat.
Research has shown that preventive care can lead to cost savings and improved health outcomes. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine estimated that every dollar spent on childhood vaccinations results in savings of $10.20 in healthcare costs. Furthermore, a study conducted by the Partnership for Prevention found that increasing the use of preventive services can lead to significant reductions in overall healthcare costs.
In conclusion, several components of the Affordable Care Act have the potential to positively impact health care outcomes and decrease costs. The expansion of Medicaid can increase access to care for low-income individuals and lead to improvements in health outcomes. The implementation of accountable care organizations promotes coordination of care and has the potential to improve quality while reducing costs. Lastly, the ACA’s emphasis on preventive care can help detect and address health issues early, leading to cost savings and improved health outcomes. These components of the ACA are supported by research and have the potential to contribute to a more efficient and effective healthcare system.