25 Feb What are the most important elements of the Affordable Care Act in relation to community and public health?
Topic 4 DQ2
The Affordable Care Act was signed into law by President Barack Obama in March 2010. Many of the provisions of the law directly affect health care providers. Review the following topic Resources:
1.”About the Affordable Care Act”
2.”Health Care Transformation: The Affordable Care Act and More”
What are the most important elements of the Affordable Care Act in relation to community and public health? What is the role of the nurse in implementing this law?
SAMPLE ANSWER
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was enacted to improve the accessibility and affordability of healthcare for all Americans, including underserved communities. The most important elements of the ACA in relation to community and public health include the expansion of Medicaid, the establishment of health insurance marketplaces, and the focus on preventive care and population health.
The ACA expanded Medicaid eligibility to include all individuals earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level, which has helped to increase access to healthcare for low-income individuals and families. The establishment of health insurance marketplaces has also allowed individuals and small businesses to purchase affordable insurance coverage. The ACA also places an emphasis on preventive care and population health, with provisions for free preventive services, community health initiatives, and a focus on reducing health disparities.
Nurses play a crucial role in implementing the ACA by providing education, outreach, and care coordination for individuals and communities. Nurses can serve as advocates for their patients and communities, providing information on the benefits and options available through the ACA. They can also work with community organizations and public health agencies to develop and implement population health initiatives that support the goals of the ACA.
Reference:
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (n.d.). About the Affordable Care Act. Retrieved from https://www.hhs.gov/health-care/about-the-aca/index.html
American Nurses Association. (2017). Health care transformation: The Affordable Care Act and more. Retrieved from https://www.nursingworld.org/~49814f/globalassets/docs/ana/health-care-transformation-the-affordable-care-act-and-more.pdf
