Health Policies Have Been A Topic

Health Policies Have Been A Topic

Health policies have been a topic of discussion since the 1930s, being on many presidential agendas, and will probably continue to be a topic for years. The Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obama Care, is a healthcare reform law aimed at expanding healthcare coverage, controlling healthcare costs, and improving the overall quality of care in the United States (Rosenbaum, 2011). The ACA included provisions like Medicare expansion, health insurance marketplaces, subsidies for low and middle-income families, and protections for people with pre-existing conditions (Rosenbaum, 2011). It has significantly impacted healthcare access for millions of Americans since its enactment in 2010.

Some of the benefits of the Affordable Care Act were the implementation of the patient’s rights charter, broadened insurance for minors, ensured emergency services even out-of-network, extended coverage under a parent’s plan up to age 26, and allowed contesting denials of payments (Collins & Saylor, 2018). Extending the age for those children covered under their parents’ insurance was a great boon. This allowed them to get affordable healthcare while they were enrolled in college. Another benefit of the Affordable Care Act is that it helped a lot of Americans by allowing them access to health insurance (Shi & Singh, 2023). Many people do not seek treatment without health insurance due to the cost, causing them to wait too long, ultimately costing themselves and the hospitals more money.

Another benefit of the Affordable Care Act is its improvements for Medicare recipients. By expanding Medicaid and creating marketplaces, the ACA sought to provide coverage to more Americans who were previously uninsured or underinsured (Shi & Singh, 2023). The ACA has introduced diverse changes to the American healthcare system, resulting in certain advantages, including expanded insurance coverage for vulnerable groups and increased utilization of information technology. However, it has not realized the effects on cost control and enhancing healthcare quality as initially anticipated (Shi & Singh, 2023). Some of the disadvantages of the Affordable Care Act come with the way we are “paying for the reforms,” as the ACA taxed medical devices and high-benefit plans while decreasing Medicare spending (Gostin et al., 2017).

The most significant disadvantage comes with reducing Medicare spending. Medicare is used widely by the older population. Because the reimbursement rate has been cut and the increased time our aging population requires from hospitals and doctors, many hospitals and doctors are backing away from older adults. This causes an impact on their care. Furthermore, the ACA faced political opposition and ongoing legal challenges, leading to changes in specific provisions and uncertainty surrounding its future.

Ultimately, the ACA made progress toward its goals, but its full impact and effectiveness remain subject to ongoing debate and implementation challenges. The next decade will witness significant demographic shifts, including an aging population and evolving healthcare needs (Schiavone & Ferretti, 2021). This will require the healthcare system to adapt by reorganizing how services are provided and delivered (Schiavone & Ferretti, 2021). Meeting the demand for healthcare services while accommodating the changing demographics will involve innovative approaches, technology integration, and a focus on preventive care to ensure effective and sustainable healthcare delivery (Schiavone & Ferretti, 2021).

Everyone deserves the same care regardless of their status. Equality in healthcare is fundamental irrespective of a person’s status, background, or income. One verse in particular that comes to mind emphasizes the importance of caring for others and promoting equality in helping those in need. “For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited me; I was in prison and you came to me” (New King James Version, 2013, Matthew 25:35-36). This verse speaks to the broader concept of caring for others in need, which extends to healthcare as part of ensuring the well-being of individuals.

The Bible encourages compassion, kindness, and attending to the needs of others, including those who are sick or in need of medical care.

Paper For Above instruction

Health policies have played a pivotal role in shaping the healthcare landscape in the United States since the 1930s, reflecting ongoing efforts to improve access, quality, and cost-effectiveness of care. Among these policies, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), enacted in 2010, stands out as a landmark reform aimed at expanding healthcare coverage, controlling costs, and enhancing healthcare quality (Rosenbaum, 2011). This legislation not only emerged from a long history of healthcare reform efforts but also significantly impacted millions of Americans by restructuring various aspects of healthcare delivery and financing.

The core benefits of the ACA included the expansion of Medicaid, creation of health insurance marketplaces, enactment of protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions, and provisions allowing young adults to remain on parental plans until age 26 (Collins & Saylor, 2018; Shi & Singh, 2023). These provisions addressed critical gaps in coverage, especially for vulnerable populations such as young adults, low-income families, and those with pre-existing health issues. The expansion of Medicaid and the establishment of marketplaces facilitated increased access to insurance, which, prior to these reforms, remained elusive for many Americans, especially those in marginalized communities (Shi & Singh, 2023).

Enhancements to patient rights also marked significant strides under the ACA. Patients gained rights to emergency services regardless of network status, including protections against denial of coverage and the ability to appeal insurance decisions (Collins & Saylor, 2018). These protections contributed toward more equitable and patient-centered care, aligning with ethical principles of justice and beneficence. The extension of dependent coverage up to age 26 proved particularly beneficial, allowing young adults to maintain insurance coverage during their college years, which is a crucial period when many are vulnerable to health risks due to new environments and exposures (Shi & Singh, 2023).

Despite these advancements, the ACA also faced notable challenges and criticisms. One major concern involved the financial sustainability of the reforms. The legislation introduced new taxes, such as those on medical devices and high-benefit plans, and reduced Medicare reimbursement rates (Gostin et al., 2017). These measures aimed to fund the expansion of coverage and healthcare initiatives but also raised concerns about the long-term viability of Medicare programs, which primarily serve the elderly. The reduction in Medicare spending raised fears about decreased access and quality of care for older adults, a population that relies heavily on this program.

The financial constraints on Medicare reimbursement have led to unintended consequences, including some healthcare providers limiting services for older adults or withdrawing from Medicare altogether. This trend threatens the principle of healthcare equity for seniors and raises questions about the future sustainability of Medicare in the context of an aging population (Schiavone & Ferretti, 2021). As the U.S. population ages, the demand for healthcare services will intensify, requiring reforms that balance cost containment with quality care.

The political landscape further complicates the implementation of reform efforts. The ACA faced significant opposition from some political parties and encountered legal challenges that delayed or modified its provisions (Gostin et al., 2017). Ongoing legal disputes, legislative amendments, and executive actions create uncertainty about the future of healthcare reform and the stability of policy initiatives designed to extend coverage and improve care delivery.

Looking ahead, the demographic shifts characteristic of the coming decades — notably, an aging population and increased prevalence of chronic illnesses — will necessitate transformative approaches in healthcare delivery. Innovations such as telemedicine, electronic health records, and value-based care models are becoming increasingly vital to meet rising demand efficiently and effectively (Schiavone & Ferretti, 2021). Emphasizing preventive care, community-based interventions, and integrating technology into healthcare practice will be essential to ensure sustainability and equity in care delivery.

Fundamentally, the pursuit of health equity remains central to all policy efforts. The biblical principle cited from Matthew 25:35-36 underscores the moral imperative to care for vulnerable populations, echoing the ethical call for universal access and compassion in healthcare. Ensuring that all individuals receive equitable care irrespective of socioeconomic status aligns with both religious values and contemporary bioethical standards of justice and fairness.

In conclusion, health policies such as the ACA have achieved significant milestones toward expanding access and improving quality but continue to face economic, political, and demographic challenges. As the healthcare landscape evolves, continuous reform and adaptation—guided by ethical principles of justice, compassion, and equity—will be crucial to build a sustainable and inclusive healthcare system that meets the diverse needs of the U.S. population (Rosenbaum, 2011; Schiavone & Ferretti, 2021).

References

• Collins, B. L., & Saylor, J. (2018). The Affordable Care Act: 8 years later. Nursing Management (Springhouse), 49(8), 42–48.
• Gostin, L. O., Hyman, D. A., & Jacobson, P. D. (2017). The Affordable Care Act moving forward in the coming years. American Medical Association, 317, 19–20.
• Rosenbaum, S. (2011). The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act: implications for public health policy and practice. Public Health Reports, 126(1), 130–135.
• Schiavone, F., & Ferretti, M. (2021). The futures of healthcare. Futures, 134, 102849.
• Shi, L., & Singh, D. A. (2023). Essentials of the U.S. healthcare system (6th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
• New King James Version. (2013). Holy Bible, New King James Version. Holman Bible Publishers.
• Additional scholarly articles on healthcare policy and reform (example scholarly sources).