The Affordable Care Act (ACA) otherwise known as Obamacare, …
The Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, was enacted with the goal of addressing the financial burdens faced by communities and improving access to healthcare. This legislation incentivizes employers to provide health insurance coverage and requires individuals who are not covered by their employer or a government insurance program to either enroll in Medicare or Medicaid, or purchase private health insurance (Schrek, 2016).
One of the most significant aspects of the ACA is its provision for pre-existing condition coverage. Under this provision, health insurers are prohibited from denying coverage or charging higher premiums based on pre-existing conditions, such as cancer or diabetes, once the insurance has been purchased (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2017). This ensures that individuals with pre-existing conditions can still obtain affordable health insurance coverage.
Another key objective of the ACA is to expand access to health insurance for those who would otherwise not be able to afford it. This is achieved through various mechanisms, such as the establishment of health insurance marketplaces where individuals can compare and purchase insurance plans, the provision of tax credits and subsidies to make insurance more affordable, and the expansion of Medicaid eligibility to include more low-income individuals (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2017).
In addition to addressing the issue of insurance coverage, the ACA also recognizes the importance of community and public health in promoting overall well-being. The role of the community and public health sector is to provide pre-screening for diseases, offer preventative care services, and deliver low-cost healthcare options that benefit all individuals in the community.
Pre-screening for diseases is an essential part of community and public health efforts. By identifying potential health issues at an early stage, healthcare providers can initiate appropriate interventions and treatments, leading to better health outcomes. For example, screenings for conditions such as breast cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure can help detect these conditions before they progress further, allowing for early treatment and improved prognosis.
Preventative care services are another important component of community and public health initiatives. These services focus on promoting healthy behaviors and addressing risk factors that contribute to the development of chronic diseases. By encouraging regular check-ups, vaccinations, and screenings, healthcare providers can help individuals maintain optimal health and prevent the onset of preventable diseases. This not only improves the quality of life for individuals but also reduces healthcare expenditures in the long run.
Furthermore, the provision of low-cost healthcare services is crucial in ensuring that all individuals have access to necessary medical care, regardless of their financial status. Community health centers and clinics play a vital role in offering affordable healthcare options to underserved populations. These facilities often provide a wide range of services, such as primary care, dental care, mental health services, and prescription medications, at reduced costs or on a sliding fee scale based on income.
In summary, the Affordable Care Act aims to address the financial burdens faced by communities by incentivizing employer-provided health insurance and expanding access to coverage through various mechanisms. The inclusion of pre-existing condition coverage ensures that individuals with pre-existing conditions can obtain affordable insurance. The community and public health sector plays a key role in offering pre-screening for diseases, preventative care services, and low-cost healthcare options to benefit all individuals in the community. By addressing these aspects, the ACA seeks to improve overall healthcare access and outcomes for the population.