Question

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 brought about major changes for the healthcare industry and many new challenges for hospitals, doctors, and other providers. Your textbook presents these impacts under 12 broad headings. Present and discuss any three of these important impacts, and discuss how you, as a healthcare administrator, will respond to these changes.

Answer 1

Affordable Care Act of 2010:

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is the single biggest piece of health care legislation since the creation of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965. The three goals of the ACA are to cover the uninsured, reduce the growth of health care spending and improve the efficiency of the health care delivery system. This question asks you to consider the coverage provisions of the ACA.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) are commonly called the Affordable Care Act. On March 23, 2010 United States federal statute signed it into a law. It is aimed at transforming the medical practices of hospitals and primary physicians financially, technologically and clinically.

Under this act, the minimum standards of healthcare have been established. There are provisions for federal subsidies for low income individuals and families. In the light of these facts, the PPACA is definitely a positive step in the American healthcare. This would improve the methods, as well as accessibility of health services. The cost of health services would also come down.

For decades, the American Nurses Association has been advocating for health care reforms that would guarantee access to high-quality health care for all. With the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), millions of people have greater protection against losing or being denied health insurance coverage, and better access to primary and preventive services. ANA recognizes the debate of health care is not over, and remains committed to educating the nursing public about how the changing system impacts our lives and our profession. ANA will continue to deliver nursing's message, provide resources, develop solutions and take action to ensure the successful implementation of the health reform law while continuing to serve the interests of the nation.

Baby boomer is a term referring to a person who was born between 1946 and 1964. 18.3 Million Baby Boomers (men and women ages 50 to 64) could benefit from this Affordable Care Act.

It expand access to affordable health insurance, assure that all health insurance provides a standard comprehensive benefit, prevent insurers from denying coverage or charging higher premiums to people with pre-existing conditions, and eliminate lifetime and annual limits in health insurance policies.

The Affordable care act aims to achieve the following goals:

1. Improve the quality of healthcare and patient safety

2. Make coverage more secure for those who have insurance, and extend affordable coverage to anyone that is uninsured

3. Ensure access to quality, culturally competent care for all American demographics

4. Reduce the growth of healthcare costs while promoting high-value, effective care

5. Emphasize primary and preventive care associated with community prevention services

6. Promote the adoption and usefulness of health information technology

Affordable care act impact on US Individuals:

1. Young Adult Coverage: Under the Affordable Care Act, individuals covered by their parents insurance will be covered until the age of 26. This is helpful for young Americans, ensuring that they have the time and resources to get on a path for a healthy lifestyle and financial security before becoming completely independent.

2. More Benefits for Women: Besides young people, women will see the greatest impact from the Affordable Care Act especially with the new coverage options. Women have a wider range of options now when it comes to choosing healthcare providers. Pregnant women also benefit heavily from the new regulations, requiring that all preventative care and check ups are free.

3. Four Tiers of Healthcare Coverage: Under the Affordable Care Act, starting in 2014, there will be four tiers of coverage for health insurance plans named for different metals: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum.

4. Access to a Range of Guaranteed Health Benefits & Services: The Affordable Care Act requires that all healthcare plans offer a minimum of ten categories of care for beneficiaries. Employers or individuals can elect to purchase higher tier plans for more extensive coverage if they wish, it just costs more for the sole proprietor or the company.

5. Aid to the Elderly: The healthcare options for senior citizens are also heavily impacted by the Affordable Care Act as well; for starters your existing Medicare coverage is protected. Under this legislation, existing benefits enjoyed from Medicare won’t be reduced or taken away.

Reference:

Ahajournals. (n.d.). Health Services and Outcomes Research. Retrieved from ahajournals: http://jaha.ahajournals.org/content/4/5/e001767.full

Obamacare Summary. (2015, octocer 12). Obamacare Summary. Retrieved from obamacare: https://obamacare.net/obamacare-summary/