Public Health

Public Health

The public health problem of interest is limited accessibility of quality and affordable health care due to a rising cost of health care services. This is a major issue which has affected millions of Americans especially those who cannot afford to pay for their health care insurance or pay directly for health care services. The rising cost of health care services includes the rising prices of prescription charge, primary care, and specialized care which have limited the accessibility of quality health care. Some of the effects of rising health care cost include; i) rising insurance premiums, ii) limited access to specialized care such as breast cancer screening and maternal care for women, and iii) limited access to specialized care for different vulnerable groups such as persons who have chronic health conditions or those who are at a high risk of getting chronic illnesses.

To address this public health problem, the federal government introduced the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act which famously known as Obama Care. This policy was signed by President Barack Obama in March 2010 with the goal of bringing key reforms in the health care sector to address the problem of health care cost, quality, and access. The primary objectives of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) were to; prevent the increase in the cost of prescription drugs and health care services, ensure that all citizens could have access to affordable health insurance coverage, promote patient protection, and deliver better services (Amadeo, 2019).

Examining the magnitude and impact of rising healthcare costs

The issue of increasing health care costs affects all Americans, especially those unable to afford health insurance and vulnerable groups including the elderly and chronically ill individuals. Rising insurance premiums have historically increased at an average rate of about 8% annually between 2000 and 2010, causing financial strain on families and limiting job mobility due to fears of losing insurance coverage (Amadeo, 2018). As premiums increase, many low-income individuals can't afford out-of-pocket costs, leading to delayed or foregone care.

Women, particularly young women requiring maternal health services, face significant barriers due to high hospitalization and preventive care costs. Many cannot afford routine screening or prenatal services, increasing the risk of adverse health outcomes. Similarly, people with chronic illnesses suffer from limited access to necessary medications and personalized care because the high costs of drugs and specialized treatments are not fully covered by insurance plans (Fox & Shaw, 2015). This often results in out-of-pocket expenses that are unaffordable and detrimental to health outcomes.

The problem extends to patient protection issues, with insurance companies implementing policies that can restrict access or deny claims, especially for severe health conditions. Hospitals also struggle with quality issues, including high readmission rates and instances of malpractice, which are exacerbated by financial constraints and inadequate reimbursement structures. The consequences include compromised health outcomes, increased mortality in vulnerable populations, and a general decline in the quality of healthcare services.

The scope of the Affordable Care Act and its initiatives

The ACA aimed to expand insurance coverage to about 32 million uninsured Americans, improve healthcare quality, and reduce costs. It introduced several provisions, including preventive services coverage, essential health benefits, and protections against insurance discrimination. The law mandated that all insurance plans cover ten categories of benefits, such as preventive, maternity, pediatric, mental health, and emergency services, ensuring comprehensive coverage regardless of pre-existing conditions (Amadeo, 2018). These measures sought to mitigate disparities and improve access to essential health services for vulnerable populations.

The ACA also targeted cost containment strategies by promoting value-based care, reducing hospital readmissions, and emphasizing preventive health to lower long-term expenses. Additionally, the law expanded Medicaid eligibility, increasing access to affordable insurance for low-income individuals and families. As of recent estimates, over 11 million Americans have gained access to insurance coverage through ACA marketplaces, significantly improving healthcare accessibility (Fox & Shaw, 2015).

Despite these successes, challenges remain. The high cost of prescription drugs and specialized care continues to hinder coverage and access for many. Insurance affordability issues persist, and the political landscape affects policy sustainability. Nonetheless, the ACA's comprehensive approach provides a framework for ongoing reforms aimed at making healthcare more accessible, affordable, and equitable.

Conclusion

The rising cost of healthcare presents a complex public health challenge affecting millions of Americans, especially vulnerable populations. The ACA represents a significant policy response aimed at expanding coverage, improving quality, and controlling costs. While it has made considerable progress in reducing the uninsured rate and enhancing access to care, ongoing efforts are necessary to address remaining barriers such as high prescription drug prices and insurance affordability. As healthcare needs evolve, policy adaptations and innovations will be essential to ensure that all Americans have access to affordable, high-quality healthcare services.

References

• Amadeo, K. (2018). The 10 Essential Health Benefits of the ACA. The Balance. https://www.thebalancemoney.com/
• Amadeo, K. (2019). 10 Obamacare Pros and Cons. The Balance. https://www.thebalancemoney.com/
• Fox, J. B., & Shaw, F. E. (2015). Clinical preventive services coverage and the Affordable Care Act. American Journal of Public Health, 105(1), e7-e10.
• The Observer Editorial Board. (2017). Some reminders of life before Obamacare. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/
• Koh, H., & Sebelius, K. (2010). Promoting prevention through the Affordable Care Act. New England Journal of Medicine, 363(14), 1296-1299.
• Collins, S. R., & Gunja, M. (2017). The impact of Medicaid expansion under the ACA. The Commonwealth Fund. https://www.commonwealthfund.org/
• Berwick, D. M., & Hackbarth, A. D. (2012). Eliminating waste in US health care. JAMA, 307(14), 1513-1516.
• Gawande, A. (2010). The cost conundrum. The New Yorker. https://www.newyorker.com/
• Sommers, B. D., et al. (2015). The Affordable Care Act—effects on hospital and approved care. New England Journal of Medicine, 372(25), 2354-2363.
• Jacobson, M., et al. (2014). Medicaid expansion, health care access, and disparities. Medical Care Research and Review, 71(1), 52-81.