Patient Protection and Affordable free essay sample

A. Healthcare Access The PPACA will expand coverage to nearly 95% of consumers that reside in the U. S legally. Consumers previously not covered under government programs such as Medicaid will be able to receive healthcare benefits through those programs. In addition, preventive care will be free and seniors will have access to cheaper prescription drugs. The PPACA also provides incentives to primary care providers to practice in underserved areas which will also expand consumers’ access to healthcare. On the other hand, cuts in Medicare will take place at a time when millions of baby-boomers become eligible for Medicare and some Americans could lose access to their current health care plans. B. Improving Quality and Lowering Costs The payment incentives provided to healthcare providers under the PPACA will most likely lead to improved healthcare quality. In addition, reimbursement will shift from being based on quantity to being value-based which will in turn incentivize providers to provide higher quality care. We will write a custom essay sample on Patient Protection and Affordable or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Although the Congressional Budget Office reported that the PPACA will reduce the U. S. budget deficit, it is doubtful and remains to be seen what will actually happen. Also, it is anticipated that businesses will pay the fines imposed by the PPACA because it will be cheaper than obtaining insurance coverage for the employees. C. Holding Insurance Companies Accountable A major pro of the PPACA is that it establishes several new rules and controls for insurance companies including requiring that they cannot deny coverage for pre-existing conditions, must spend a certain percentage of premiums collected on actual patient care costs. These new rules provide protection for consumers and ensure insurance companies are held accountable for the care and services provided to patients that are enrolled in their plans. Another major issue that has raised considerable debate and even led to law suits being filed is the constitutionality of the PPACA. Those who oppose healthcare reform argue that it is unconstitutional for Congress to require that every person purchase health insurance. However, the PPACA improves access to healthcare which promotes the general welfare of consumers, and thus congress has the power to spend money to promote general welfare. In conclusion, although the PPACA has several short-comings that are currently being debated and others yet unknown, the bill’s potential to improve access to care for consumers, reduce healthcare costs and make insurance companies more accountable make it worth the trouble. As with any major change, working out the problems over time will be required to allow the PPACA achieve the goal of improving the health status and overall life quality of consumers. References The Henry Kaiser Family Foundation. 2011. â€Å"Summary of Health Reform Law†. Focus on Health Reform, Vol. 7948-02.