Affordable Care Act Analysis

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) also known as ObamaCare, has several provisions that are intended to find solutions to underlying issues in the United States as to how the health care is delivered to patients and how the health care provided is paid for. These previsions made in the ACA focus on three broad areas: testing new delivery models and spreading successful ones, encouraging the shift toward payment based on the value of care provided, and developing resources for system wide improvement. An example of a new model for delivering health care is the Accountable Care Organization (ACO). The ACO is a group formed by health care providers ranging from primary care physicians and specialists to hospitals and post-acute care facilities that
Medicare and Medicaid are health care programs sponsored by the government in the United States. The two programs differ when it comes to terms of how they are governed and funded, and whom they cover. Medicare is an insurance program primarily for senior citizens 65 years of age and older, although Medicare also covers disabled individuals and those with end stage renal disease of any age, who qualify for social security. Regardless of income, anyone turning 65 can enroll in Medicare as long as they have been paying into a social security fund. Medicare is completely governed by the federal government. Around 15% of the population is on Medicare. While, Medicaid is an assistance program that covers medical costs of low to no income families or individuals; children are more likely to receive coverage. Federal and state governments govern Medicaid. In order to qualify for Medicaid your income must comply with the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), there are very strict income requirements that vary from state to state. Around 20% of the population is on Medicaid and Medicaid covers 40% of all
Not only do advanced medical practices help patients heal correctly; new technology has also improved research so professionals can make healthcare even more efficient. Through technology doctors are easier to reach and better at their job. Technology has allowed doctors to access e-mail, texts, videos, and conference capabilities to confer with colleagues from all over the world. This practice, referred to as telemedicine, is specifically useful for doctors and patients in rural and under-developed areas. Without having to move patients, doctors can discuss with experts from all over the world to diagnose, treat, and research conditions without needing access to a high level hospital. Telemedicine was used successfully after the 2010 Haiti earthquake and will no doubt be refined for future