HCA 320 Healthcare Policy and Economics Discussion
HCA 320 Healthcare Policy and Economics Discussion
HCA 320 Healthcare Policy and Economics Discussion Sample
The Affordable Care Act (ACA), commonly known as Obamacare, passed in 2010, has sparked significant debate and conversation. As a nursing professional or healthcare leader, forming an opinion on the ACA requires a thoughtful examination of its influence on healthcare provision and patient results. In this contemplation, I will examine conflicting and endorsing viewpoints while considering the nurse’s role as a caregiver and the administrative duties of healthcare leaders.
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Supporting the ACA
An aspect of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that warrants support is its notable focus on expanding healthcare service accessibility (Levy et al., 2020). Through Medicaid expansion and the creation of health insurance exchanges, the ACA has facilitated the acquisition of coverage for millions of previously uninsured individuals. Advocating for this aspect is consistent with the ethical tenets of beneficence and justice, guaranteeing that marginalized communities are supplied with critical healthcare services. Additionally, the ACA’s focus on preventative care demonstrates the nursing profession’s dedication to improving general wellbeing and health. Pre-existing condition protection is provided by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which forbids insurance companies from refusing coverage or raising premiums for those with such conditions (Merid, 2020). This condition guarantees that individuals requiring medical attention can obtain it without facing prejudiced barriers, which is critical for advancing patient-centered care and inclusiveness from the nursing perspective. In addition, healthcare access has been considerably enhanced, and the overall uninsured rate has decreased substantially.
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Addressing Concerns
It is important to acknowledge potential inequalities within the ACA. A significant concern is the “family glitch,” where some families do not qualify for subsidies but cannot afford employer-sponsored family coverage (Mulligan, 2023). This leaves them without affordable healthcare options, disproportionately impacting middle-income families. As a leader in the healthcare sector, it is crucial to address such gaps to ensure fair access for all. Another consideration involves the effects of Medicaid expansion on certain states. While the expansion aimed to enhance coverage for low-income individuals, some states encountered difficulties managing the financial burden of increased Medicaid enrollment. (Gotanda et al., 2020). This underscores the need for a nuanced approach that recognizes and addresses diverse healthcare needs across states.
Current Political Climate: Repeal, Replace, or Revise
Examining the current political climate surrounding the ACA reveals a continued debate on whether to repeal, replace, or revise the act. The reasons for maintaining the ACA go beyond successfully reducing the uninsured rate and improving preventive care access. It also encompasses the crucial protection of individuals with pre-existing conditions, a key argument for its preservation. The act has shown early evidence indicating substantial improvements in post-ACA trends related to healthcare access, financial security, and overall health compared to pre-ACA trends (Wisk et al., 2020). Furthermore, it aims to expand coverage and contain costs while ensuring universal access to quality care – making healthcare more affordable for families, seniors, businesses, and taxpayers alike, including those previously uninsured or with inadequate insurance coverage. Critics argue that the individual mandate places an undue financial strain on individuals, and there are concerns about the long-term sustainability of the current healthcare model (Glied et al., 2020). However, beyond mere economic implications lie broader discussions regarding access to care quality of services provided by health facilities operating under reduced funding from safety net options due to changes in policy following ACA implementation. Furthermore, challenges related to universal access and ensuring affordability for all demographic groups highlight underlying complexities within U.S. healthcare policies, necessitating a nuanced discussion when considering potential revisions or replacements for existing measures like those incorporated in ACA principles.
Conclusion
The perspective on the ACA hinges on a detailed assessment of its influence on healthcare provision, taking into account the nursing profession’s dedication to patient well-being and the healthcare leader’s duty for efficient management. While endorsing the broadening of access and safeguards for individuals with pre-existing conditions, it is essential to confront possible inequalities and difficulties by promoting amendments that improve the overall efficiency and fairness of the healthcare system. A nuanced approach, incorporating ongoing evaluations and potential improvements, remains crucial for ensuring that healthcare policies align with the population’s and the healthcare landscape’s evolving needs.
References
Glied, S. A., Collins, S. R., & Lin, S. (2020). Did The ACA Lower Americans’ Financial Barriers To Health Care?: A review of evidence to determine whether the Affordable Care Act was effective in lowering cost barriers to health insurance coverage and health care. Health Affairs (Project Hope), 39(3), 379–386. https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2019.01448
Gotanda, H., Jha, A. K., Kominski, G. F., & Tsugawa, Y. (2020). Out-of-pocket spending and financial burden among low income adults after Medicaid expansions in the United States: quasi-experimental difference-in-difference study. BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.), 368, m40. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.m40
Levy, H., Ying, A. & Bagley, N. (2020). What’s left of the Affordable Care Act? A progress report. The Russell Sage Foundation Journal of the Social Sciences: RSF, 6(2), 42. https://doi.org/10.7758/rsf.2020.6.2.02
Merid, B. (2020). Fight for our health: Activism in the face of health insurance precarity. BioSocieties, 15(2), 159–181. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41292-019-00145-9
Mulligan, J. M. (2023). Fractured insurance families: securing care and navigating financialized social protections. Journal of Cultural Economy, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/17530350.2023.2246985
Wisk, L. E., Peltz, A., & Galbraith, A. A. (2020). Changes in health care–related financial burden for U.S. families with children associated with the Affordable Care Act. JAMA Pediatrics, 174(11), 1032. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2020.3973
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