Healthcare

Healthcare

Question 1

How has the Affordable Care Act helped in the prevention of diseases and illnesses?

Overview of Prevention of Disease and Illness

The federal health care law, or Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA is the most important healthcare act passed since 1965. The goal of the healthcare act was to increase the insurance coverage and make it more secure and affordable for. It included various tax credits, subsidies, and mandates in order to enhance the number of people covered by insurance programs (www.covermissouri.org).

Out of all the components in the ACA, the prevention of diseases and illness component is the most important. Since nearly majority of the people in the United States do not have themselves covered by insurance, the cost that has to be borne by the country is increasing rapidly. It is estimated that one in every six people suffers from asthma, diabetes, cancer, and chronic illness. The ACA helps people who do not have an insurance coverage to get one which will subsequently help them to improve their healthcare. The plan envisions including several million people (www.healthcare.gov). Small businesses, families, and individuals will be easily able to purchase insurance plans through Exchangers.

Background

The ACA helps to prevent illnesses and diseases in young adults within communities and states throughout the country. The importance of these services can be judged from the fact that the future generation of the country can lead a better life since many diseases may be prevented or even eliminated. There are three main prevention activities in the act: tobacco prevention, obesity prevention and fitness, and HIV prevention and screening.

Among young adults, a big percentage is used to smoking cigarettes. By funding in this program, individuals are given prevention services in order to improve their lives and create a better community. The United States accounts for the largest percentage of obese people. These people need to be provided sufficient prevention tips since this issue is a serious concern and has serious implications. In order to control the prevention of obesity, every restaurant chain with 20 or more outlets will have to display the calorie information in the menu. Another issue which the act focuses on is HIV. This is an alarming issue as most of the people who suffer from HIV are young adults. These people need proper training and education in order to protect themselves and the future generation (www.healthyamericans.org).

Parties with Vested Interest

The parties who have vested interest in this program include the government and the citizens. By providing proper healthcare facilities and insurance cover to all, several illnesses and diseases can be prevented. The HHS is playing a vital role in promoting this act and sustaining it in a manner to benefit individuals and the community as a whole. It also has a duty to ensure that the funding of the programs does not fade out.

Summary of Implementation

In order to promote this policy and implement the prevention and health promotion strategy, an intra-agency fund is creased. The role of this fund is to expand the ...