The Affordable Care Act: Impact on the Healthcare System
The adoption of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has significantly impacted the healthcare system of the United States. In 2010, this policy was issued to facilitate the population’s access and availability of medical services and insurance (Gaffney & McCormick, 2017). It entirely concerned the nation because it evoked a series of health outcomes. Even though the act was modified several times, its aspects were preserved and affected public health and community.
The primary element that influenced the improvement in these sectors is the expansion of access to health coverage. It applied to over 32 million uninsured citizens and extended the list of eligibility criteria (Gaffney & McCormick, 2017). The other component is the introduction of prevention and wellness measures that covers a wide range of preventive activities aimed at boosting the nation’s well-being. Additionally, curbing the rise in costs of drugs and medical services contributed to the increased demand for them. As a consequence, the population started to resort to medical facilities without fear of being overcharged (Gaffney & McCormick, 2017). Finally, the system performance has undergone changes: professionals received new qualifications and began treatment in an updated way. This achievement helped assist more patients and obtain better health outcomes.
Nurses take a particular role in implementing this law because they are the key stakeholders in advocation for policy promotion. Their major responsibility is to promote health awareness in families and communities. Nurses primarily serve as advisors on preventive measures, access to healthcare, and the opportunities an individual may use to improve their wellness. In addition, they can advocate for a specific element expansion or development.
In conclusion, the Affordable Care Act served as an impactful healthcare policy that established accessibility and availability of medical products and services. By expanding the insurance criteria, strengthening the system’s performance, and developing preventive measures, the ACA brought positive health outcomes on the national level. Nursing professionals guarantee the information transmission to the population they work with, aiming to boost the level of public health.
Reference
Gaffney, A., & McCormick, D. (2017). The Affordable Care Act: implications for health-care equity. Lancet, 389(10077), 1442-1452.