Question

What is one major current trend in healthcare, and at least three related economic concepts?

Answer 1

The Affordable Care Act- The ACA was introduced in March 2010 and has been one of the top trends in healthcare in 2019. While several courts have challenged the bill, it still needs to be fully repealed. For example, the Texas District Court ruled in December 2018 that the ACA is unconstitutional. In May 2019, the Trump Department of Administration and Justice, historically responsible for challenging a federal act or law in the courts, decided to support the ACA's repeal. The case entered the Court of Appeals on the Fifth Circuit, which held oral arguments in July 2019.

Naturally no reform will be enforced until 2020 when the case is heard by the Supreme Court. If, however, the Supreme Court votes to overturn the ACA, the consequences for patients and health services will be far-reaching, because 21 million Americans will lose medical coverage.

Despite an ineffective effort to dismantle the ACA, a gridlock in Congress, and the lack of meaningful legislative intervention, the Trump administration nevertheless made huge waves that, by executive orders, had a significant effect on health insurers, payers and patients:

Reducing the expense of insurance premiums in the near term.
Reducing the government financial assistance to purchase insurance.
Reductions in spending on medicaid.
Health insurance plans increased use.
Prohibited access to the exchange of benefits for those with undocumented immigrant status (which is subject to court review).