Substantive Response APA Format 175-265 Words Cite 2 Referen

Substantive Responseapa Format175 265 Wordscite 2 Referencesrespond To

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), enacted in 2010, remains a significant influence on the U.S. healthcare system, particularly as it continues to be a prominent trend into 2019 and beyond. Political involvement has historically impacted healthcare policies, and recent attempts to dismantle or modify the ACA have shaped current healthcare dynamics. For instance, despite the Trump administration’s unsuccessful effort to repeal the ACA, policies introduced during this period led to several notable changes, including reductions in Medicaid spending and expanded health savings accounts. Additionally, efforts to lower insurance premiums persisted, illustrating ongoing political influence on healthcare affordability and access.

Another crucial trend is Medicaid expansion. Currently, 37 states have adopted Medicaid expansion under the ACA, granting healthcare access to a broader population and reducing uninsured rates (KFF, 2020). These expansions are often subject to referendums, reflecting ongoing debates about healthcare coverage and funding. Expanding Medicaid has been linked to improved health outcomes and reduced disparities, as more individuals gain access to necessary services (Sommers et al., 2019).

Prescription drug pricing represents another evolving trend impacting public health. Currently, political debates focus on controlling drug prices, which are often exorbitant. Proposed legislation, such as the Prescription Drug Pricing Reduction Act, aims to make medications more affordable by limiting prices paid by payers, which could significantly reduce pharmaceutical costs and improve patient access (Kesselheim & Avorn, 2019).

Looking ahead, cybersecurity is emerging as a vital trend in healthcare. As medical records and patient information increasingly migrate online, the need to protect sensitive data becomes critical. Healthcare entities are investing in cybersecurity measures to safeguard health information, especially under regulations like HIPAA. As Vogenberg and Santilli (2019) emphasize, “cybersecurity has emerged to be even more important than before for healthcare providers and healthcare systems." The integration of digital tools and electronic health records necessitates robust data protection strategies to prevent data breaches and maintain patient trust.

In conclusion, the future of healthcare is shaped by ongoing policy debates, technological advancements, and the imperative to improve healthcare access, affordability, and security. Understanding these trends enables healthcare stakeholders to navigate the evolving landscape effectively and advocate for policies that enhance health outcomes across communities.

Paper For Above instruction

References

• Kesselheim, A. S., & Avorn, J. (2019). The high cost of prescription drugs. New England Journal of Medicine, 381(22), 2107-2108.
• KFF. (2020). Medicaid expansion under the ACA. Kaiser Family Foundation. Retrieved from https://www.kff.org/medicaid/issue-brief/medicaid-expansion-under-the-aca/
• Sommers, B. D., Gunja, M. Z., Finegold, K., & Musco, T. (2019). Changes in self-reported insurance coverage, access to care, and health under the Affordable Care Act. JAMA, 321(3), 254-262.
• Vogenberg, F. R., & Santilli, J. (2019). Key Trends in Healthcare for 2020 and Beyond. American health & drug benefits, 12(7), 348–350.