APA format at least one reference
Question
You are asked to review and discuss changes that occurred to the ACA in 2014. There were several impactful changes, tell me how you think these changes will improve or damage the act overall.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, underwent several significant changes in 2014. These changes had both positive and negative impacts on the overall effectiveness of the act. In this discussion, I will outline some of these changes and assess their potential effects on the ACA.
Positive Changes:
- Expanded Medicaid Coverage: One of the most substantial changes in 2014 was the expansion of Medicaid eligibility in participating states. This allowed millions of low-income individuals and families to gain access to affordable healthcare coverage. By increasing the number of people covered by Medicaid, this change helped to reduce the uninsured rate and improve overall health outcomes.
- Health Insurance Marketplaces: The establishment of Health Insurance Marketplaces made it easier for individuals and small businesses to compare and purchase health insurance plans. This increased transparency and competition among insurance providers, potentially leading to more affordable and comprehensive coverage options for consumers.
- Prohibition of Pre-Existing Conditions Discrimination: ACA reforms in 2014 also strengthened the prohibition against insurance companies denying coverage or charging higher premiums based on pre-existing conditions. This change was a significant step toward ensuring that individuals with chronic illnesses or prior health issues could access affordable insurance.
Negative Changes:
- Mandate Penalty: The individual mandate, which required most Americans to have health insurance, was implemented in 2014. While this was intended to ensure a healthier and more financially stable risk pool, the penalty for not complying was relatively low in the early years. Some argue that this mandate placed an undue burden on individuals who couldn’t afford insurance and resented being penalized.
- Limited Plan Choice in Some Areas: In certain regions, there have been concerns about limited choices for insurance plans on the Health Insurance Marketplaces. This lack of competition could lead to higher premiums and reduced options for consumers, undermining the goal of making healthcare more accessible.
In summary, the changes to the ACA in 2014 had both positive and negative impacts. The expansion of Medicaid and the establishment of Health Insurance Marketplaces were significant steps toward improving access to healthcare for many Americans. However, the individual mandate and concerns about limited plan choices in some areas raised questions about the act’s effectiveness and affordability. The long-term success of the ACA depends on ongoing evaluation and adjustment to address these issues and ensure that it continues to provide comprehensive and affordable healthcare coverage to as many Americans as possible.
Reference: Kaiser Family Foundation. (2019). Key Facts about the Uninsured Population. https://www.kff.org/uninsured/issue-brief/key-facts-about-the-uninsured-population/