N006 Policy and Regulation Supporting Informatics and Technology Integration

N006 Policy and Regulation Supporting Informatics and Technology Integration

RUNNING HEAD: Affordable Care Act 1

Affordable Care Act 2

ACA Healthcare Policy

Busola Omolayole

Walden University

TN006 Policy and Regulation Supporting Informatics and Technology Integration

2/3/2020

Affordable Care Act (ACA)

The affordable care act (ACA) policy was signed into law by the previous U.S. President Barack Obama in March of 2010 (HealthIT.gov., n.d.). The policy shares the responsibility of providing access to reasonable and good-quality health insurance by the government to individuals, employers in the United States. It is aimed at improving access and expanding health insurance coverage to all U.S. citizens and combat healthcare spending and costs (Quadagno, 2019). Also, the policy increased accessibility to care and quality care services, which determine the overall health in the U.S. Health insurance companies cannot deny coverage of preexisting conditions and cannot increase premiums based on medical conditions.

Impact of the ACA on System Implementation

After the 2016 open enrollment period, 17.6 million uninsured citizens obtained coverage through ACA; the uninsured rate fell below 10 percent that same year. (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, n.d.). ACA has a significant impact on system implementation, according to industry experts. ACA supports Medicaid expansion. Make healthcare coverage more affordable and fair. The establishment of new health insurance marketplaces, also known as exchanges and implementation of market reforms, is another issue that is being addressed (HealthIT.gov.,n.d.). Providing care for people who live on a limited income or have a preexisting condition. Strengthening access to preventive and primary care. Increase healthcare quality at the same time decreasing careless expenses and increasing being accountable (PolicyMedical., n.d.). ACA has provisions that give system implementation a motive to build and enforce new policies that target increased efficiency (Ruffin, 2019). ACA is poised for consistent growth through value-based medications in the presence of evident uncertainty with a gradual repeal of the ACA for many payers in the care sector. Through growth in clinical care and public programs, being strategical in investments in public health (PolicyMedical., n.d.). By collaboration amongst the government, individuals, and employers, Americans can attain universal healthcare.

ACA has Improved Outcomes and Efficiencies

ACA has increased care coverage to millions of U.S. citizens. As a result, there is an improvement in care quality services since the healthcare cost is subsidized. Those with health insurance access better services in the United States (Huang et al., 2019). The wide range of plans resulting from ACA increases efficiency in healthcare since people have good care options to choose, such as Medicaid and Medicare. Aims to make sure that everyone under the ACA will have optimal health care programs without the inefficiency. All will have access to electronic health records and be better informed about their health and be made more accountable for their healthcare. Policymakers offer consumers with vital healthcare information, especially about coverage options, thus make the workflow smooth than before. The policy cuts healthcare costs while enhancing patients’ satisfaction. Patients can receive treatment services while at home; therefore, care accessibility is improved while promoting information sharing while explaining how patients can access their health information. Set guidelines for the implementation of qualifications and new details. Patient safety and confidentiality are protected, supported, and maintained.

Organizational Policies and Procedures That Are in Place at My Healthcare Organization

This policy at the organization level improves outcomes and efficiencies of ACA by ensuring value-based care services are provided (Ruffin, 2019). The ACA helps consolidated organizational databank of updated and new policies and procedures, along with out-of-date policies for reference when needed (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, n.d.). The organization will have team-based training, clear communication, and make sure that employees know updated and new policies and procedures. Have organizations work together effortlessly with external organizations through the set policies and procedures guided by the ACA. Have a library of resources that contains applicable legislation, standards, and regulations (HealthIT.gov.,n.d.). Discipline and streamline the process is managing the creation of policy that allows partnership on the formation, agreement, and assessment of internal policies, and with other organizations (PolicyMedical, n.d.). The ACA helps organizations be more efficient bin the organization and with other local, state, and federal organizations. (PolicyMedical, n.d.).

References

HealthIT.gov. (n.d.). Health IT legislation. Retrieved March 23, 2019, from

https://www.healthit.gov/topic/laws-regulation-and-policy/health-it-legislation

PolicyMedical. (n.d.). Policy and Procedures Management in the Era of the Affordable Care

Act: What You Need to Know. Retrieved from https://www.policymedical.com/policy-and-

procedures-management-in-the-era-of-the-affordable-care-act-what-you-need-to-know/

Quadagno, J., & Lanford, D. (2019). The Obama Health Care Legacy: The Origins, Implementation, and Effort to Repeal the Affordable Care Act of 2010. In Looking Back on President Barack Obama’s Legacy (pp. 69-92). Palgrave Macmillan, Cham.

Ruffin, T. R., & Hawkins, D. P. (2019). Trends in Health Care Information Technology and Informatics. In Advanced Methodologies and Technologies in Medicine and Healthcare (pp. 264-275). IGI Global.

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (n.d.). Laws & Regulations. Retrieved September

27, 2018, from https://www.hhs.gov/regulations/index.html