Need a 2-3 page paper in APA format not including the abstract and references. Topic is Health Care Reform, affordable care act. Will send rubric and instructions upon negotiating. Prefer someone with nursing experience. Will be checking for plagiarism. WIll need someone to rely on for future assignments, I have a lot of them.
Title: Analyzing the Impact of Health Care Reform on the Affordable Care Act
Introduction
Health care reform has been a subject of ongoing debate and discussion worldwide, with particular focus on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in the United States. The ACA, also known as Obamacare, represents a comprehensive overhaul of the American health care system aimed at addressing various longstanding issues, including access, affordability, and quality of health care services. This paper will critically analyze the impact of health care reform through the lens of the ACA. Specifically, it will delve into the key provisions of the ACA, its intended goals, and both the positive and negative consequences it has had on health care delivery in the United States.
Overview of the ACA
The ACA, enacted into law in 2010, initiated numerous reforms geared toward expanding access to health care coverage, enhancing quality of care, and controlling health care costs (Cohen & Martinez, 2016). The key pillars of the ACA include the establishment of health insurance marketplaces, expansion of Medicaid eligibility, the individual mandate for obtaining health insurance, and the introduction of essential health benefits required in all health insurance plans. These provisions aimed to ensure that more Americans would have affordable health insurance coverage and expand access to preventive care and essential health services (Cohen & Martinez, 2016).
Impact on Health Care Access
One of the primary goals of the ACA was to increase access to health care for uninsured and underinsured populations. By establishing health insurance marketplaces, the ACA provided a platform for individuals and small businesses to compare and purchase health insurance plans, with subsidies available to those who qualify based on income (Blumberg et al., 2017). This expansion of options and financial assistance has led to significant increases in health insurance coverage, particularly among low-income individuals and those previously unable to afford coverage.
Furthermore, the ACA expanded Medicaid eligibility criteria, allowing more individuals and families with limited income to access Medicaid coverage (Blumberg et al., 2017). Studies have shown that states that expanded Medicaid reported lower rates of uninsured individuals and greater improvements in access to care (Blumberg et al., 2017). These findings suggest that the ACA has significantly increased access to health care for vulnerable populations, addressing a key concern in health care reform.
However, it is important to acknowledge that the ACA has also faced challenges in terms of accessibility. While the establishment of health insurance marketplaces expanded options for coverage, some individuals were left with limited choices due to insurer exits or limited provider networks (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2017). This highlights the need for ongoing evaluation and adjustments to ensure a balance between access to a diverse range of coverage options and maintaining an adequate number of participating insurers and providers.
Impact on Health Care Quality
In addition to expanding access to care, the ACA aimed to enhance the quality of health care services provided to Americans. It introduced various quality improvement initiatives, such as pay-for-performance programs, value-based purchasing initiatives, and the development of accountable care organizations (Racine et al., 2019). These programs sought to shift the focus from fee-for-service reimbursement models towards incentivizing quality outcomes and improved coordination of care.
Moreover, the ACA mandated the inclusion of essential health benefits in all insurance plans, ensuring coverage for preventive services, mental health and substance abuse treatment, maternity care, and other essential health services (Racine et al., 2019). This requirement standardized the scope of services covered by insurers, promoting equity and improving access to necessary care.
Research suggests that the ACA’s emphasis on quality improvement initiatives has had a positive impact on health care outcomes. Studies have shown improved care coordination, reductions in hospital readmission rates, and increased use of preventive services (Racine et al., 2019). These findings indicate that the ACA’s focus on quality has contributed to a more patient-centered approach and better health outcomes for individuals. However, more research is needed to evaluate the long-term effects of these initiatives and their sustainability over time.
Impact on Health Care Costs
While the ACA aimed to expand access and improve quality, one of its most controversial aspects was its effect on health care costs. Critics argue that the ACA led to increased health insurance premiums for some individuals and small businesses, particularly those who did not qualify for subsidies (Fisher et al., 2017). Moreover, some insurance companies withdrew from certain markets due to financial losses or increased uncertainty surrounding the future of health care policy (Fisher et al., 2017).