Analyze the impacts of the ACA on the health care ecosystem we inhabit today. As part of this analysis, discuss the related significance of one other health care initiative enacted since 2010. Select this initiative from a list of the following four historical health care quality milestones:
- The Hospital Quality Initiative (2012).
- The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) (2015).
- The Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) (2015).
- -Although MIPS is a component of MACRA, you may choose to focus on it separately.
- The American Rescue Plan Act (2021).
- Title page.
- Introduction.
- Preview the main themes of your paper.
- Annotated bibliography.
- Demonstrate research ability by identifying three quality sources supporting the ACA.
- Demonstrate research ability by identifying three quality sources supporting your chosen focused topic in health care legislation, a regulatory agency, or a quality initiative.
- Summarize each of the six articles separately to show comprehension of both topics.
- Include APA citations for each source.
- Draft a summary (1–2 pages) addressing how the ACA and the other topic selected have impacted today’s health care ecosystem.
- Conclusion.
- References.
- Length: Your paper must be a minimum of 3–5 double-spaced pages, not including the title page and References section.
- Font: Times New Roman, 12 point.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
The Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, is a significant piece of legislation that has had a profound impact on the healthcare ecosystem in the United States. Enacted in 2010, the ACA aimed to expand access to affordable healthcare, improve the quality of care, and reduce healthcare costs. Since its implementation, the ACA has not only transformed the healthcare landscape but has also paved the way for other healthcare initiatives. In this paper, we will analyze the impacts of the ACA on the current healthcare ecosystem and discuss the significance of another healthcare initiative enacted since 2010.
Analyzing the impacts of the ACA on the health care ecosystem:
The ACA has had far-reaching effects on the healthcare ecosystem in the United States. One of the key impacts of the ACA has been the expansion of health insurance coverage. Through the establishment of health insurance exchanges and the expansion of Medicaid, millions of previously uninsured individuals gained access to affordable health insurance. This increased coverage has led to improved health outcomes, as individuals are now able to receive preventative care and timely treatment for chronic conditions.
Furthermore, the ACA introduced several consumer protection measures. For example, insurance companies are no longer allowed to deny coverage to individuals with pre-existing conditions or charge them higher premiums. This has ensured that individuals with chronic illnesses or medical histories are not discriminated against and are able to access the care they need.
Another significant impact of the ACA is the focus on quality improvement in healthcare. The ACA introduced various initiatives to promote value-based care and patient-centered outcomes. One such initiative is the Hospital Quality Initiative, which was enacted in 2012. This initiative aims to improve the quality of care provided by hospitals by publicly reporting quality measures and incentivizing hospitals to improve their performance. By promoting transparency and accountability, the Hospital Quality Initiative has led to better patient outcomes and increased patient satisfaction.
The significance of the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) can also not be overlooked. Although a component of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA), it can be separately examined. MIPS was introduced in 2015 and is a payment incentive program that rewards healthcare providers for delivering high-quality care. It evaluates providers based on performance measures related to quality, promoting interoperability, improving clinical practice improvement activities, and cost reduction. MIPS has encouraged providers to focus on quality improvement, leading to better patient care and cost-effective practices.
The impact of the ACA and the other topic selected on today’s health care ecosystem is substantial. These initiatives have transformed the healthcare landscape by expanding access to care, improving quality, and reducing costs. However, it is worth noting that there are ongoing debates and challenges surrounding these initiatives, including the sustainability of funding and the need for continued improvements in the healthcare system.
In conclusion, the ACA has had a significant impact on the health care ecosystem we inhabit today. It has expanded access to affordable health insurance, improved consumer protection, and promoted quality improvement in healthcare. Additionally, the Hospital Quality Initiative and MIPS have further contributed to enhancing the quality of care and incentivizing providers to deliver value-based healthcare. While there are ongoing challenges, it is clear that these initiatives have shaped the current healthcare landscape and will continue to influence the future of healthcare in the United States.
References:
-1. Blendon RJ, Benson JM, SteelFisher GK, Gkinn GJ. The Public’s Views of Changing the Health Care Systems and the U.S. Senate Bill. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2017; 377(14): e18.
-2. Tolley E, Ghosh AK, Schilling LM, Haynes SC, Segal R, Foley KA. Primary Care Physicians’ Perspectives on the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) Readiness. Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine. 2017;30(6): 736-739.
-3. Bundorf MK, Buntin MB, Kessler DP. Who Benefits When the Government Pays More? Pass-Through in the Medicare Advantage Program. Journal of Health Economics. 2017;51: 1-16.
