Grand Canyon University Affordable Care Act Discussion – Description
The Affordable Care Act was signed into law by President Barack Obama in March 2010. Many of the provisions of the law directly affect health care providers. Review the following topic Resources:
“About the Affordable Care Act”
“Health Care Transformation: The Affordable Care Act and More”
What are the most important elements of the Affordable Care Act in relation to community and public health? What is the role of the nurse in implementing this law?
Response 1 Jenna
A preexisting condition generally refers to a medical condition that existed prior to applying for health insurance or before a particular insurance policy went into effect. Preexisting conditions can impact an individual’s insurance coverage, as insurance companies might charge higher premiums or deny coverage to those with preexisting conditions.
While COVID-19 is a relatively new disease, some individuals who have had COVID-19 may experience long-term health effects, often referred to as “long COVID” or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) (Kritz.F, 2020). These long-term effects can be debilitating and may be considered a preexisting condition.
Since COVID-19 can lead to long-term health complications, it is possible that it may be categorized as a preexisting condition by insurance providers, depending on their policies. However, it’s important to note that insurance regulations and policies vary by country and state, and the classification of COVID-19 as a preexisting condition may differ in different jurisdictions.
Reference:
Coronavirus FAQ: Could COVID-19 ever be considered preexisting condition, Kritz,Fran,2020. https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/11/09/932067037/coronavirus-faq-could-covid-19-ever-be-considered-a-preexisting-condition
Response 2 Jenna
The most important elements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in relation to community and public health are:
1. Expansion of Medicaid: The ACA expanded Medicaid eligibility, allowing more low-income individuals and families to have access to healthcare coverage (CMS,2017). This expansion has significantly increased the number of individuals who can receive preventive care and essential health services, thus improving the overall health of the community.
2. Prevention and public health funding: The ACA established a Prevention and Public Health Fund, which provides resources for public health initiatives aimed at preventing diseases, promoting healthy lifestyles, and improving overall community health. This funding has contributed to various programs focusing on disease prevention, health promotion, and community education.
The role of the nurse in implementing this law is crucial. Nurses play a vital role in providing direct patient care, promoting preventive measures, and advocating for community and public health. They can actively participate in a variety of things such as health promotion and education. Nurses can educate individuals and communities about the ACA and its provisions, helping them understand their rights and available healthcare options.
They can help with care coordination, by collaborating with other healthcare professionals and community organizations to ensure seamless care coordination and increase access to essential health services. Additionally, nurses can advocate for policies that support community and public health, including the ACA. They can engage in policy discussions, lobby for adequate funding for public health initiatives, and raise awareness about the importance of healthcare coverage and preventive care (APHA,2022). Another thing is they can conduct health screenings, promote preventive measures, and provide essential health services to individuals and communities. They can identify health risks, initiate appropriate interventions, and empower individuals to take control of their health.
Overall, the ACA has provided opportunities for nurses to have a more significant impact on community and public health by promoting access to care, preventative services, and quality healthcare. Nurses are vital in implementing this law and working towards healthier communities.
References:
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), 2017. https://www.cms.gov/About-CMS/Laws-and-Regulations…
Opportunities for Actions American Public Health Association (APHA,2022) https://www.apha.org/topics-and-issues/health-care…
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