Public Health Policy Paper
Abstract
This public health policy paper will discuss and outline the Affordable Care Act (ACA) as well as barriers and controversies surrounding the policy and its relevance in nursing profession. The ACA will eventually affect everyone. Statistics reflecting United States health outcomes have proven the need for the initiation of policy formation within the United States healthcare system. “In March 2010, President Obama signed into law a comprehensive health reform, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA).” (Estes, Chapman, Dodd, Hollister, Harrington, 2013, p. 144) The ACA promotes preventive care—including related services and family planning—that should result in improved health outcomes and increased more accessibility and affordability for many Americans (Health & Human Services). Looming aspects of health care act will not only assist with issues of health care access, but also create greater accountability for practicing clinicians that should result in improved outcomes.
Background
Access issues such as the lack of health insurance and being underinsured, can be exacerbated by the current shortage of health professionals that exists in many disadvantaged areas. Some physicians and other medical providers may have the unwillingness to treat persons with public insurance coverage because the reimbursement rate, as well inadequately trained medical providers. With public insurance growing, low-income individuals face barriers acquiring health care considering they don’t have the means to afford it. In some cases, people of lower socioeconomic status are sometimes unaware of symptoms that elicit medical attention and have difficulties explaining their symptoms to health professionals. Others experience language or cultural barriers when looking for care (Swartz, 2009, p. 1). “As a result of these existing barriers, efforts to assist low-income people and those that face cultural and language barriers
This public health policy paper will discuss and outline the Affordable Care Act (ACA) as well as barriers and controversies surrounding the policy and its relevance in nursing profession. The ACA will eventually affect everyone. Statistics reflecting United States health outcomes have proven the need for the initiation of policy formation within the United States healthcare system. “In March 2010, President Obama signed into law a comprehensive health reform, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA).” (Estes, Chapman, Dodd, Hollister, Harrington, 2013, p. 144) The ACA promotes preventive care—including related services and family planning—that should result in improved health outcomes and increased more accessibility and affordability for many Americans (Health & Human Services). Looming aspects of health care act will not only assist with issues of health care access, but also create greater accountability for practicing clinicians that should result in improved outcomes.
Background
Access issues such as the lack of health insurance and being underinsured, can be exacerbated by the current shortage of health professionals that exists in many disadvantaged areas. Some physicians and other medical providers may have the unwillingness to treat persons with public insurance coverage because the reimbursement rate, as well inadequately trained medical providers. With public insurance growing, low-income individuals face barriers acquiring health care considering they don’t have the means to afford it. In some cases, people of lower socioeconomic status are sometimes unaware of symptoms that elicit medical attention and have difficulties explaining their symptoms to health professionals. Others experience language or cultural barriers when looking for care (Swartz, 2009, p. 1). “As a result of these existing barriers, efforts to assist low-income people and those that face cultural and language barriers