Question

focusing on public health reform. Provide an overview of the current status of public health in the United States. Review a portion of the Affordable Care Act and present the strengths and weaknesses of the plan, as well as make suggestions for plan improvement.

Answer 1

Public health in US:

Public health is “What we as a society do collectively to assure the conditions in which people can be healthy.”

Aims of public health:

• Prevents epidemics and the spread of disease
• Protects against environmental hazards
• Prevents injuries
• Promotes and encourages healthy behaviours
• Responds to disasters and assists communities in recovery
• Assures the quality
• Accessibility of health services

Recent health treats in US:

• Hurricane Sandy in 2012 (NJ and NY)
• Salmonella in peanut butter in 2011
• H1N1 epidemic in 2009
• Hurricane Katrina in 2005 (New Orleans, LA & Mississippi)
• 9/11 attacks on the US in 2001 (New York City)

Top causes of death in US:

• Heart disease
• Cancer
• Stroke
• Accidents
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Diabetes
• Influenza
• Kidney disease
• Intentional self-harm

Public health achievements in US:

• Vaccinations
• Safer workplace
• Safer and healthier food
• Motor vehicle safety
• Control of infectious diseases
• Decline in deaths from coronary heart disease and stroke
• Family planning
• Recognition of tobacco use as a health hazard
• Healthier mothers and babies
• Fluoridation of drinking water

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obama care. Although it has created a minimum level of coverage for many insured Americans’ healthcare benefits, it has also created some costly tax penalties for those who don’t participate. The ACA is subject to changes every year. The legislation can be amended, and budget decisions can affect how it is implemented. Changes in the healthcare field, along with changes to the political makeup of future presidential administrations and Congress make it likely that the ACA will be tinkered with for years to come.

Strengths:

• More Americans Have Health Insurance
• More Affordable
• People with Pre-Existing Health Conditions Can No Longer Be Denied Coverage
• No Time Limits on Care
• More Screenings Are Covered
• Lower Prescription Drug Costs

Weaknesses:

• Many People Have to Pay Higher Premiums
• You Can Be Fined if You Don’t Have Insurance
• Taxes Are Going up as a Result of the ACA
• Enrolling Can Be Complicated
• Businesses Are Cutting Employee Hours to Avoid Covering Employees

To avoid confusion, stress, and mistakes during these times of uncertain process and policy changes, turning to a dependable healthcare outsourcing company is one of the best ways to make sure that your organization is fully prepared for any possible changes in the healthcare landscape. Always updated with the latest information and technologies to handle concerns and issues about healthcare finance and insurance services so you can spend more time focusing on your organization’s core activities and less time worrying.