REPLY TO A DISCUSSION
We believe the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has had a favorable influence on healthcare outcomes and prices, as has been discussed. Medicaid expansion under the ACA was a significant step in the right direction since it allowed low-income people who did not qualify for Medicaid but could not afford private insurance to access low-cost healthcare options (Crowley et al., 2019). The expansion of medical coverage made early diagnosis and prevention of disease possible, leading to better health outcomes and fewer, less costly trips to the emergency room.
We concur that improvements in healthcare outcomes may be directly attributed to the changes in insurance procedures mandated by the law, in particular the limitation on excessive payments based on an individual’s medical history. Because of this provision, people with chronic illnesses are more likely to seek out life-saving medical care and treatment without worrying about being turned away or paying exorbitant fees (Crowley et al., 2019; Neiman et al., 2021). This, in turn, has resulted in better health outcomes and cost savings in the long run. Another favorable aspect of the legislation is the establishment of insurance marketplaces. Competitive pressure from these business hubs among safety net providers has resulted in lower rates and more flexible coverage options for consumers.
Prevention and wellness programs, which the ACA encourages, have also helped boost health and save costs. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has helped reduce the prevalence of chronic illnesses by requiring insurance providers to provide preventative care without requiring patients to pay anything out of pocket. Community-based preventive programs have received money to assist projects addressing obesity, cigarette use, and drug addiction, all of which have the potential to reduce long-term costs by reducing the frequency with which costly treatments and hospitalizations are required (Crowley et al., 2019). Besides, the accountable care organizations (ACOs) that have been established as a result of the ACA`s payment changes have promoted the provision of care that is both high in quality and efficient in its use of resources. In exchange for coordinating treatment, preventing illness, and effectively managing chronic illnesses, ACOs provide financial incentives to healthcare providers.
