Affordable Health Care Reform Case Study

Throughout American history congress has had to resolve problems that arose nation wide. Pell Grants, created in 1972, and the Affordable Care Act of 2010 are just two of the legislations created to solve some of the United States economic problems. Although these two solutions were both initiated to boost America’s economy and to support low income families, the reason for the intervention of the government and their results differ. Affording a post high school education has always been a struggle for many families, but especially families with a low income. To increase the number of higher educated employees the government intervened by creating the Pell Grant in 1972. “The federal Pell Grant program was designed to help college students
The ACA makes affordable health care more achievable for most Americans. “Nearly 15 percent of the U.S. population, an estimated 46 million in 2012, had no health insurance during most of the calendar year. Three-quarters of these uninsured are in families with incomes near or below the federal poverty level...the remaining uninsured have annual incomes ranging from two-and-a-half to four times the poverty level...” (aier.org). The main objective of the Affordable Care Act was to increase the number of people with insurance and make it more affordable and obtainable for all. The ACA also doesn't allow insurance companies to discriminate against pre-existing conditions giving more affordable health care for those who are ill or have numerous health problems. It also prevents discrimination of you gender. “The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) has 3 main objectives: (1) to reform the private insurance market—especially for individuals and small-group purchasers, (2) to expand Medicaid to the working poor with income up to 133% of the federal poverty level, and (3) to change the way that medical decisions are made.”(annfammed.org). The results of this act will change the way healthcare is distributed
People were now able to obtain a four year degree and affordable healthcare. Both also resulted in a mostly positive way. Pell Grants cost the government a large sum of money, nut on the other hand the education given to students will in turn get them a better job with a higher salary and improve the consumer market. People would use their hard earned money to invest back into the economy. “The Federal Pell Grant Program provides need-based grants to low-income undergraduate and certain postbaccalaureate students to promote access to postsecondary education.” (ed.gov). Pell Grants are an award given to students and is not mandatory to apply. Obamacare on the other hand has mandates and fees that you have to pay if you are not insured. This is one main difference between Pell Grants and the Affordable Care Act. “ Prior to the implementation of Obamacare, people had the choice to live without insurance. This system didn’t really work for millions of Americans. especially those who wanted coverage but couldn’t afford it. Now the government forces you to participate by buying insurance or paying the penalty fees for not obeying the law.”(obamacare.net). The fees have increased by hundreds each year. People had the option to qualify for an exemption to the fees, get healthcare coverage, or pay the fees. “The annual fee for not having insurance in 2016 is