Health Care Policy Reform
Running Head: HEALTH CARE POLICY
Health Care Policy Reform And Its Impact On Healthcare Access, Cost, And Quality Abstract
In this study, we try to analyse the effectiveness of the health care policy reform and its impact on healthcare access, cost, and quality. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was introduced on the 23rd of March, 2010. It was signed by the president of the United States of America, Barack Obama. This was done in response to the fact that there were certain drawbacks in the health care system of the United States of America, which became a barrier for individuals to get the treatments that they needed, in order to get rid of the diseases they had. This was because of the high costs of …show more content…
the treatment, as well as, the low coverage plan. Moreover, there were accessibility issues, as well. More specifically speaking, the Hispanic population was the one that was most affected by this, and suffered the most. In order to improve the system of the health care and to make it accessible for the overall population, The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 was introduced and implemented. In the end, it can be said that the introduction and the successful implementation of the Health Care Act of 2010 for the health care reform, has brought about many changes in the health care sector in the United States of America. The government has increased its expenditures in the sector, in order to make sure that more number of individuals can get the treatment that they need, and that also with a much better quality. Moreover, the costs for the individuals who need the treatment have also decreased, along with improving the quality of service being delivered.
Health Care Policy Reform And Its Impact On Healthcare Access, Cost, And Quality
Introduction The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Act on the protection of patients and health care affordable) is a law passed by the 111th United States Congress and signed into law by President Barack Obama on the 23rd of March, 2010. It is the main component of the reform of the welfare system in the United States, with the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act signed the same day. Along with the Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act of 2010, this law is the result of the program of health care reform with a majority of congressional Democrats and the Obama administration (Blendon, Benson, 2010). This paper would be focused on presenting the analysis of The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 for health care reform, along with its impact on health care costs, access, and quality.
Discussion
Summary of proposal including group proposing it The issue of health reform was the subject of discussion during the campaign for the Democratic primary election in 2008, as competition intensified, public attention focused on proposals from the two leading candidates, Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. After the election Obama announced in a joint session of Congress, in February 2009, that he would start a path with Congress to achieve a plan for health system reform (Blendon, Benson, 2010). In July 2009, a series of projects law were adopted by committees of the House of Representatives. During the August congressional recess, many lawmakers visited their districts and locally held meetings to solicit public opinion on the proposals. During the summer recess, the protests organized by the Tea Party movement and many conservative groups aimed against the local meetings to make their voices heard in opposition to the proposed reform. In response to the opposition, President Obama delivered a speech before Congress to defend his reform and redefined its guidelines (Blendon, Benson, 2010). On the 7th of November, the House of Representatives passed the Affordable Health Care for America Act (HR 3962) by 220 votes to 215 and passed to Senate for approval (Blendon, Benson, 2010). The Senate did not discuss this project approved by the deputies, and instead took up the project of HR 3590, relating to tax exemptions. The Patient Protection Act and Affordable Health Care was approved by the Senate on December 24, 2009 by 60 votes in favor and 39 against, and passed to the House of Representatives on March 21, 2010, receiving 219 votes in favor and 212 against, the Republican representative voted no on any of the two chambers (Blendon, Benson, 2010). Finally, after many adventures, the 21 March 2010, despite adverse opinion polls, a polarization of aggravated politicians and American citizens, a presidential popularity at half symbolized the victory of a Republican in the Massachusetts to succeed Ted Kennedy and the reluctance of some of the elected Democrats, the text passed by the Senate is adopted as the House of Representatives by 219 votes against 212 (178 Republicans and 34 Democrats) (Keehan, Sisko, et al, 2011). Upon promulgation of the law by Barack Obama on 23 March 2010, the Attorneys General (Minister of Justice) of twelve (later fourteen) American States declare to implement a federal court proceedings to challenge the constitutionality of the new law violation the sovereignty of States while the legislatures of 37 states enter into discussions to adopt a special status for failing to implement the reform (Keehan, Sisko, et al, 2011). Then, on March 24, after the Senate adopted two amendments proposed by Republicans on procedural flaws, the law of conciliation adopted by the House of Representatives to implement the new law and provides for an extension of federal grants, increased aid program of the State Medicaid, an enlargement of the tax base and reforming the student loan program, should be referred back to the room to be a new vote, delaying the implementation of the text. Any reform that includes the original text of the Senate and the law of conciliation shall be adopted March 25, 2010. Reform becomes one of the main themes of the election campaign of 2010 midterm, Republicans have promised to repeal or amend it. After the parliamentary elections and the Senate in November 2010, marked by the thrust of the Tea Party, becoming the most right of the Republican Party, a proposal to repeal the law was submitted to Congress, but rejected by the Democratic majority (Keehan, Sisko, et al, 2011). Thus, in February 2011, the Senate voted against the repeal of the law to 51 votes against 47, all Democrats supporting the legislation while Republicans opposed it. Lost by the Republicans at the parliamentary level, the battle against the law, however, continues at the legal level. More than two dozen cases have been filed challenging the constitutionality of the law; two federal judges have welcomed these complaints in Florida and Virginia. The Supreme Court will most likely be responsible for settling the dispute, the outcome probably depends on the position of Justice Anthony Kennedy, who could swing the vote one way or the other. One of the stops opposing the law challenged the constitutionality of the compulsory insurance scheme introduced by the new law to balance the obligation to insure that private insurers are liable, which are no longer allowed records or to refuse to increase the fees disproportionately because of the health of the customer (Keehan, Sisko, et al, 2011). Described as historic, the text, which received no opposition voices (a historic first for this kind of legislation), ensures health coverage to 32 million Americans. However, it remains well below Obama 's campaign promises because it does not, in particular, publicly funded universal nor public insurance and allow 5% of U.S. residents (23 million) without health coverage (against 15% before the reform). Under the text adopted, most Americans have an obligation to ensure by 2014, under pain of imposition of penalties. Grants will be awarded by the federal government to help families with low incomes to pay their dues (income below 88,000 dollars per year) (Keehan, Sisko, et al, 2011). Companies with more than 50 employees (SMEs and traders) who will not provide coverage will also pay penalties. In addition, the law prohibits insurance refuse to cover people because of their medical history. Parents can also protect children under the age of 26 (Keehan, Sisko, et al, 2011). However, to achieve its ends and pass this law, Barack Obama responds to requests from the senator from Nebraska Ben Nelson, announcing he will sign a decree to ensure that the reform would not affect the restrictions prohibiting the use of federal funds for abortions, which he did on March 24 after the promulgation of the law. Several patches have yet to be adopted by a budget bill by both houses. The reform is expected to cost 940 billion dollars (695 billion) over ten years. Its funding should be provided by taxes on high incomes and lower costs of care (Keehan, Sisko, et al, 2011).
Current status The health insurance system in the U.S. is certainly not the best, but for employee benefits can be cheap and of good quality. There has been much speculation in relation to the Health insurance in the United States of America and sometimes says one, that there are probably no disease in the U.S. case, hedging and you immediately impoverished. This is a fact that people living in America would also have health related problems and to cover these problems, American also has a health care industry that is working for the betterment of the individuals, in relation to their health, yet looking at the population of America, it can be said that the number of patients getting treatment is very low (McNamara, Kristen, 2010). This is because of the higher costs of getting the medical services, and the lower coverage through the health insurance policies. The health care is so expensive that it becomes difficult for any individual to get these services on their own; therefore, individuals rely on their insurance coverage, as it slightly becomes affordable if you have a job. However, this makes it difficult, there is a tariff jungle and also an almost overwhelming diversity of solution providers, so that it takes much time and best friends and colleagues who already have insurance and give advice (McNamara, Kristen, 2010). What kind of service one can get for what amount and which provider is also a science, because, of course, negative aspects are obscured and only the more positive aspects of insurance emerged (McNamara, Kristen, 2010). The insurance companies in the world have all probably in common and there is no typical U.S. phenomenon. Comparing the current situation of the Health care sector in the United States of America, after the introduction and the successful implementation of the Health Care Act of 2010 for the health care reform, it can be said that there have been vast improvements in the sector and the quality of the treatment being provided has also improved dramatically in the United States of America (McNamara, Kristen, 2010).
Access With the recent passage of health sector reform, through the Patient Protection Act and Accessible Health Care, PPACA, people living in the U.S. are getting a significant benefit, which is consequently having great health impact on the Hispanic population in the country. Hispanics constitute the social group with the lowest health insurance in America (Spencer, Jean, 2010). According to a Gallup survey made in 2009, the average of people over 18 years without health insurance in the country is 16 percent, but this amount increases to 41.7 percent for Hispanics (Spencer, Jean, 2010). This disparity means that Hispanic people had no access to primary health care at the same rate as other groups, and when they finally had access to medical care, their health condition has worsened. The amplitude of the supply of various social health is one of the highlights of the PPACA by instituting temporary provisions to enable health coverage more affordable for people who had lost their jobs. Insurance companies in their plans must pay in full coverage of preventive services approved (Spencer, Jean, 2010). These services include immunizations, cancer screenings and tests for diabetes. For example, an insured person who is detected diabetes in a regular visit to the doctor is more likely to treat the disease properly and lead a long and healthy life (Spencer, Jean, 2010). The set PPACA changes not only in the primary care level, but in many other key aspects ensure that the people in the country get effective health services and quality. Broadly speaking, these are some points which the analysts of social and health as the most significant highlight of the reform. The general population, including Hispanics without health insurance coverage may acquire some variables subsidies to help low income families or moderate. It will prohibit insurers from denying coverage because of preexisting medical conditions or to cancel coverage when an individual is sick. This measure is very important to avoid interruption of treatment. Also out of pocket expenses limited to prevent a disease costs take the family into bankruptcy. In the case of specific groups such as children, women and elderly, there are no provisions of importance. This will increase health coverage for children with emphasis on families facing economic difficulties. The act provides that insurance companies include care for pregnant women in their basic plans and will increase the basic package for seniors under Medicaid (Spencer, Jean, 2010).
Cost Provisions of the Act are intended to be financed by various taxes and credits. The main sources of new revenue include such expanded health insurance for income over $ 200,000 and $ 250,000 for individual filers and joint, respectively, the annual fee on insurance providers and 40% tax on the "Cadillac" insurance policies. There are also taxes on medicines, expensive diagnostic equipment, as well as federal sales tax on tanning services. It is offset from the cost savings such as improved equity in Medicare Advantage program compared to traditional Medicare. Total new tax revenue from the law will be $ 409.2 billion over the next 10 years. $ 78 billion will be implemented before the end of fiscal year 2014. A summary of revenue sources:
Expanding Medicare tax base for high-income taxpayers: $ 210.2 billion.
The annual contribution for health insurance providers: $ 60 billion.
40% excise tax on health insurance to more than $ 10 200 / $ 27 500: $ 32 billion.
Enter an annual fee on manufacturers and importers of branded drugs: $ 27 billion.
Impose a 2.3% excise tax on manufacturers and importers of certain medical devices: $ 20 billion.
Require information reporting on payments to corporations: U.S. $ 17.1 billion.
Pick up the 7.5% adjusted gross income floor on medical expense deduction of up to 10%: 15.2 billion.
Limiting health costs flexible mechanisms in the cafeteria plan: $ 13 billion.
All other sources of revenue: $ 14.9 billion (Spencer, Jean, 2010).
However, the static budget analysis is limited - does not consider altering the mix of spending and taxes in the macroeconomic performance of the economy and how it interacts with the budget. A dynamic simulation shows that the high initial costs are not offset by higher investment returns over time. In fact, these initial costs slow economic growth with higher inflation and higher interest rates, which far exceeds the expected benefits this proposal, would occur in the following years (Spencer, Jean, 2010).
While financial uncertainties drove many Americans to rein in their consumption of health care services during the recession, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will remove patient out-of-pocket costs for preventive care services under many plans beginning in 2011 and drive an Increase in the use of these services. According to Towers Watson, a global professional services company (Spencer, Jean, 2010).
"In this Economic climate, many Americans have delayed or avoided visits to the doctor because they were concerned about the costs they might have to neglect", says Randall Abbott, a senior health care consultant with Towers Watson. "Now, covered individuals and their families will not face even nominal financial barriers to preventive care services" (Spencer, Jean, 2010).
Many employer-providing health plans have promoted low-cost or no-cost preventive care for years, but the new law broadens the range of services covered and establishes a uniform standard for services grounded in the recommendations of the United States Preventive Services Task Force and other similar bodies (Spencer, Jean, 2010).
Quality analysis After the successful implementation of the Health Care Act of 2010 for the health care reform, there have been many significant changes in the health care sector in the United States of America.
Firstly, the Health Care Act of 2010 for the health care reform has been successful in increasing the number of people living in America that are getting treatments for their diseases, which was quite low in the past, especially in the Hispanic population (Tergesen, Anne, 2010). This is true, especially because of the fact that the health care act has increased the amount in the coverage plan for the treatment of the individuals. Due to this, individuals who were staying away from getting the treatment in the past because of the high costs of treatment and the affordability factor are now able to get the treatment, because of the decrease in the costs of treatment for them (Tergesen, Anne, 2010). Secondly, with the introduction and the successful implementation of the Health Care Act of 2010 for the health care reform, the number of individuals being covered under the health insurance coverage plan has also increased dramatically, because of the new laws introduced by the act. Moreover, the Government has also increased its expenditures towards the health care sector, in order to make sure that the professionals in the health care sector can get the proper education and training for providing the required treatments to the different individuals in a much better and improved manner, …show more content…
in order to make sure that the patient is getting quality treatment (Tergesen, Anne, 2010). All these factors have hugely contributed in improving the quality of treatment being provided by the health care sector in the United States of America (Tergesen, Anne, 2010).
Conclusion In the end, it can be said that the introduction and the successful implementation of the Health Care Act of 2010 for the health care reform, has brought about many changes in the health care sector in the United States of America.
The government has increased its expenditures in the sector, in order to make sure that more number of individuals can get the treatment that they need, and that also with a much better quality. Moreover, the costs for the individuals who need the treatment have also decreased, along with improving the quality of service being delivered (Tergesen, Anne, 2010).
References
Blendon, R. J., Benson, J. M., (2010), "Public opinion at the time of the vote on health care reform", N. Engl. J. Med., 362(16). pp. 55
Keehan, S. P., Sisko, A. M., Truffer, C. J., (2011), "National health spending projections through 2020: economic recovery and reform drive faster spending growth", Health Aff (Millwood), 30(8). pp. 1594–1605
McNamara, Kristen, (2010), "What Health Overhaul Means for Small Businesses", The Wall Street Journal.
Spencer, Jean, (2010), "Menu Measure: Health Bill Requires Calorie Disclosure", The Wall Street Journal.
Tergesen, Anne, (2010), "Insurance Relief for Early Retirees", The Wall Street
Journal.
Health Care Policy Reform And Its Impact On Healthcare Access, Cost, And Quality Abstract
In this study, we try to analyse the effectiveness of the health care policy reform and its impact on healthcare access, cost, and quality. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was introduced on the 23rd of March, 2010. It was signed by the president of the United States of America, Barack Obama. This was done in response to the fact that there were certain drawbacks in the health care system of the United States of America, which became a barrier for individuals to get the treatments that they needed, in order to get rid of the diseases they had. This was because of the high costs of …show more content…
the treatment, as well as, the low coverage plan. Moreover, there were accessibility issues, as well. More specifically speaking, the Hispanic population was the one that was most affected by this, and suffered the most. In order to improve the system of the health care and to make it accessible for the overall population, The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 was introduced and implemented. In the end, it can be said that the introduction and the successful implementation of the Health Care Act of 2010 for the health care reform, has brought about many changes in the health care sector in the United States of America. The government has increased its expenditures in the sector, in order to make sure that more number of individuals can get the treatment that they need, and that also with a much better quality. Moreover, the costs for the individuals who need the treatment have also decreased, along with improving the quality of service being delivered.
Health Care Policy Reform And Its Impact On Healthcare Access, Cost, And Quality
Introduction The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Act on the protection of patients and health care affordable) is a law passed by the 111th United States Congress and signed into law by President Barack Obama on the 23rd of March, 2010. It is the main component of the reform of the welfare system in the United States, with the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act signed the same day. Along with the Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act of 2010, this law is the result of the program of health care reform with a majority of congressional Democrats and the Obama administration (Blendon, Benson, 2010). This paper would be focused on presenting the analysis of The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 for health care reform, along with its impact on health care costs, access, and quality.
Discussion
Summary of proposal including group proposing it The issue of health reform was the subject of discussion during the campaign for the Democratic primary election in 2008, as competition intensified, public attention focused on proposals from the two leading candidates, Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. After the election Obama announced in a joint session of Congress, in February 2009, that he would start a path with Congress to achieve a plan for health system reform (Blendon, Benson, 2010). In July 2009, a series of projects law were adopted by committees of the House of Representatives. During the August congressional recess, many lawmakers visited their districts and locally held meetings to solicit public opinion on the proposals. During the summer recess, the protests organized by the Tea Party movement and many conservative groups aimed against the local meetings to make their voices heard in opposition to the proposed reform. In response to the opposition, President Obama delivered a speech before Congress to defend his reform and redefined its guidelines (Blendon, Benson, 2010). On the 7th of November, the House of Representatives passed the Affordable Health Care for America Act (HR 3962) by 220 votes to 215 and passed to Senate for approval (Blendon, Benson, 2010). The Senate did not discuss this project approved by the deputies, and instead took up the project of HR 3590, relating to tax exemptions. The Patient Protection Act and Affordable Health Care was approved by the Senate on December 24, 2009 by 60 votes in favor and 39 against, and passed to the House of Representatives on March 21, 2010, receiving 219 votes in favor and 212 against, the Republican representative voted no on any of the two chambers (Blendon, Benson, 2010). Finally, after many adventures, the 21 March 2010, despite adverse opinion polls, a polarization of aggravated politicians and American citizens, a presidential popularity at half symbolized the victory of a Republican in the Massachusetts to succeed Ted Kennedy and the reluctance of some of the elected Democrats, the text passed by the Senate is adopted as the House of Representatives by 219 votes against 212 (178 Republicans and 34 Democrats) (Keehan, Sisko, et al, 2011). Upon promulgation of the law by Barack Obama on 23 March 2010, the Attorneys General (Minister of Justice) of twelve (later fourteen) American States declare to implement a federal court proceedings to challenge the constitutionality of the new law violation the sovereignty of States while the legislatures of 37 states enter into discussions to adopt a special status for failing to implement the reform (Keehan, Sisko, et al, 2011). Then, on March 24, after the Senate adopted two amendments proposed by Republicans on procedural flaws, the law of conciliation adopted by the House of Representatives to implement the new law and provides for an extension of federal grants, increased aid program of the State Medicaid, an enlargement of the tax base and reforming the student loan program, should be referred back to the room to be a new vote, delaying the implementation of the text. Any reform that includes the original text of the Senate and the law of conciliation shall be adopted March 25, 2010. Reform becomes one of the main themes of the election campaign of 2010 midterm, Republicans have promised to repeal or amend it. After the parliamentary elections and the Senate in November 2010, marked by the thrust of the Tea Party, becoming the most right of the Republican Party, a proposal to repeal the law was submitted to Congress, but rejected by the Democratic majority (Keehan, Sisko, et al, 2011). Thus, in February 2011, the Senate voted against the repeal of the law to 51 votes against 47, all Democrats supporting the legislation while Republicans opposed it. Lost by the Republicans at the parliamentary level, the battle against the law, however, continues at the legal level. More than two dozen cases have been filed challenging the constitutionality of the law; two federal judges have welcomed these complaints in Florida and Virginia. The Supreme Court will most likely be responsible for settling the dispute, the outcome probably depends on the position of Justice Anthony Kennedy, who could swing the vote one way or the other. One of the stops opposing the law challenged the constitutionality of the compulsory insurance scheme introduced by the new law to balance the obligation to insure that private insurers are liable, which are no longer allowed records or to refuse to increase the fees disproportionately because of the health of the customer (Keehan, Sisko, et al, 2011). Described as historic, the text, which received no opposition voices (a historic first for this kind of legislation), ensures health coverage to 32 million Americans. However, it remains well below Obama 's campaign promises because it does not, in particular, publicly funded universal nor public insurance and allow 5% of U.S. residents (23 million) without health coverage (against 15% before the reform). Under the text adopted, most Americans have an obligation to ensure by 2014, under pain of imposition of penalties. Grants will be awarded by the federal government to help families with low incomes to pay their dues (income below 88,000 dollars per year) (Keehan, Sisko, et al, 2011). Companies with more than 50 employees (SMEs and traders) who will not provide coverage will also pay penalties. In addition, the law prohibits insurance refuse to cover people because of their medical history. Parents can also protect children under the age of 26 (Keehan, Sisko, et al, 2011). However, to achieve its ends and pass this law, Barack Obama responds to requests from the senator from Nebraska Ben Nelson, announcing he will sign a decree to ensure that the reform would not affect the restrictions prohibiting the use of federal funds for abortions, which he did on March 24 after the promulgation of the law. Several patches have yet to be adopted by a budget bill by both houses. The reform is expected to cost 940 billion dollars (695 billion) over ten years. Its funding should be provided by taxes on high incomes and lower costs of care (Keehan, Sisko, et al, 2011).
Current status The health insurance system in the U.S. is certainly not the best, but for employee benefits can be cheap and of good quality. There has been much speculation in relation to the Health insurance in the United States of America and sometimes says one, that there are probably no disease in the U.S. case, hedging and you immediately impoverished. This is a fact that people living in America would also have health related problems and to cover these problems, American also has a health care industry that is working for the betterment of the individuals, in relation to their health, yet looking at the population of America, it can be said that the number of patients getting treatment is very low (McNamara, Kristen, 2010). This is because of the higher costs of getting the medical services, and the lower coverage through the health insurance policies. The health care is so expensive that it becomes difficult for any individual to get these services on their own; therefore, individuals rely on their insurance coverage, as it slightly becomes affordable if you have a job. However, this makes it difficult, there is a tariff jungle and also an almost overwhelming diversity of solution providers, so that it takes much time and best friends and colleagues who already have insurance and give advice (McNamara, Kristen, 2010). What kind of service one can get for what amount and which provider is also a science, because, of course, negative aspects are obscured and only the more positive aspects of insurance emerged (McNamara, Kristen, 2010). The insurance companies in the world have all probably in common and there is no typical U.S. phenomenon. Comparing the current situation of the Health care sector in the United States of America, after the introduction and the successful implementation of the Health Care Act of 2010 for the health care reform, it can be said that there have been vast improvements in the sector and the quality of the treatment being provided has also improved dramatically in the United States of America (McNamara, Kristen, 2010).
Access With the recent passage of health sector reform, through the Patient Protection Act and Accessible Health Care, PPACA, people living in the U.S. are getting a significant benefit, which is consequently having great health impact on the Hispanic population in the country. Hispanics constitute the social group with the lowest health insurance in America (Spencer, Jean, 2010). According to a Gallup survey made in 2009, the average of people over 18 years without health insurance in the country is 16 percent, but this amount increases to 41.7 percent for Hispanics (Spencer, Jean, 2010). This disparity means that Hispanic people had no access to primary health care at the same rate as other groups, and when they finally had access to medical care, their health condition has worsened. The amplitude of the supply of various social health is one of the highlights of the PPACA by instituting temporary provisions to enable health coverage more affordable for people who had lost their jobs. Insurance companies in their plans must pay in full coverage of preventive services approved (Spencer, Jean, 2010). These services include immunizations, cancer screenings and tests for diabetes. For example, an insured person who is detected diabetes in a regular visit to the doctor is more likely to treat the disease properly and lead a long and healthy life (Spencer, Jean, 2010). The set PPACA changes not only in the primary care level, but in many other key aspects ensure that the people in the country get effective health services and quality. Broadly speaking, these are some points which the analysts of social and health as the most significant highlight of the reform. The general population, including Hispanics without health insurance coverage may acquire some variables subsidies to help low income families or moderate. It will prohibit insurers from denying coverage because of preexisting medical conditions or to cancel coverage when an individual is sick. This measure is very important to avoid interruption of treatment. Also out of pocket expenses limited to prevent a disease costs take the family into bankruptcy. In the case of specific groups such as children, women and elderly, there are no provisions of importance. This will increase health coverage for children with emphasis on families facing economic difficulties. The act provides that insurance companies include care for pregnant women in their basic plans and will increase the basic package for seniors under Medicaid (Spencer, Jean, 2010).
Cost Provisions of the Act are intended to be financed by various taxes and credits. The main sources of new revenue include such expanded health insurance for income over $ 200,000 and $ 250,000 for individual filers and joint, respectively, the annual fee on insurance providers and 40% tax on the "Cadillac" insurance policies. There are also taxes on medicines, expensive diagnostic equipment, as well as federal sales tax on tanning services. It is offset from the cost savings such as improved equity in Medicare Advantage program compared to traditional Medicare. Total new tax revenue from the law will be $ 409.2 billion over the next 10 years. $ 78 billion will be implemented before the end of fiscal year 2014. A summary of revenue sources:
Expanding Medicare tax base for high-income taxpayers: $ 210.2 billion.
The annual contribution for health insurance providers: $ 60 billion.
40% excise tax on health insurance to more than $ 10 200 / $ 27 500: $ 32 billion.
Enter an annual fee on manufacturers and importers of branded drugs: $ 27 billion.
Impose a 2.3% excise tax on manufacturers and importers of certain medical devices: $ 20 billion.
Require information reporting on payments to corporations: U.S. $ 17.1 billion.
Pick up the 7.5% adjusted gross income floor on medical expense deduction of up to 10%: 15.2 billion.
Limiting health costs flexible mechanisms in the cafeteria plan: $ 13 billion.
All other sources of revenue: $ 14.9 billion (Spencer, Jean, 2010).
However, the static budget analysis is limited - does not consider altering the mix of spending and taxes in the macroeconomic performance of the economy and how it interacts with the budget. A dynamic simulation shows that the high initial costs are not offset by higher investment returns over time. In fact, these initial costs slow economic growth with higher inflation and higher interest rates, which far exceeds the expected benefits this proposal, would occur in the following years (Spencer, Jean, 2010).
While financial uncertainties drove many Americans to rein in their consumption of health care services during the recession, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will remove patient out-of-pocket costs for preventive care services under many plans beginning in 2011 and drive an Increase in the use of these services. According to Towers Watson, a global professional services company (Spencer, Jean, 2010).
"In this Economic climate, many Americans have delayed or avoided visits to the doctor because they were concerned about the costs they might have to neglect", says Randall Abbott, a senior health care consultant with Towers Watson. "Now, covered individuals and their families will not face even nominal financial barriers to preventive care services" (Spencer, Jean, 2010).
Many employer-providing health plans have promoted low-cost or no-cost preventive care for years, but the new law broadens the range of services covered and establishes a uniform standard for services grounded in the recommendations of the United States Preventive Services Task Force and other similar bodies (Spencer, Jean, 2010).
Quality analysis After the successful implementation of the Health Care Act of 2010 for the health care reform, there have been many significant changes in the health care sector in the United States of America.
Firstly, the Health Care Act of 2010 for the health care reform has been successful in increasing the number of people living in America that are getting treatments for their diseases, which was quite low in the past, especially in the Hispanic population (Tergesen, Anne, 2010). This is true, especially because of the fact that the health care act has increased the amount in the coverage plan for the treatment of the individuals. Due to this, individuals who were staying away from getting the treatment in the past because of the high costs of treatment and the affordability factor are now able to get the treatment, because of the decrease in the costs of treatment for them (Tergesen, Anne, 2010). Secondly, with the introduction and the successful implementation of the Health Care Act of 2010 for the health care reform, the number of individuals being covered under the health insurance coverage plan has also increased dramatically, because of the new laws introduced by the act. Moreover, the Government has also increased its expenditures towards the health care sector, in order to make sure that the professionals in the health care sector can get the proper education and training for providing the required treatments to the different individuals in a much better and improved manner, …show more content…
in order to make sure that the patient is getting quality treatment (Tergesen, Anne, 2010). All these factors have hugely contributed in improving the quality of treatment being provided by the health care sector in the United States of America (Tergesen, Anne, 2010).
Conclusion In the end, it can be said that the introduction and the successful implementation of the Health Care Act of 2010 for the health care reform, has brought about many changes in the health care sector in the United States of America.
The government has increased its expenditures in the sector, in order to make sure that more number of individuals can get the treatment that they need, and that also with a much better quality. Moreover, the costs for the individuals who need the treatment have also decreased, along with improving the quality of service being delivered (Tergesen, Anne, 2010).
References
Blendon, R. J., Benson, J. M., (2010), "Public opinion at the time of the vote on health care reform", N. Engl. J. Med., 362(16). pp. 55
Keehan, S. P., Sisko, A. M., Truffer, C. J., (2011), "National health spending projections through 2020: economic recovery and reform drive faster spending growth", Health Aff (Millwood), 30(8). pp. 1594–1605
McNamara, Kristen, (2010), "What Health Overhaul Means for Small Businesses", The Wall Street Journal.
Spencer, Jean, (2010), "Menu Measure: Health Bill Requires Calorie Disclosure", The Wall Street Journal.
Tergesen, Anne, (2010), "Insurance Relief for Early Retirees", The Wall Street
Journal.