Study on ACA

Past Accomplishment

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, has substantially increased health insurance coverage in the United States. A new study finds the ACA also reduced the amount of money Americans pay for healthcare. Costs have decreased as qualit yincreased.

Dr. Sara Collins is vice president for healthcare coverage and access at The Commonwealth Fund.  She studies the ACA and other health policy. She told Healthline that the findings are a “partial success story” for the healthcare reform bill championed by former President Barack Obama.

Future Progress

The U.S. lags behind other industrialized countries in the proportion of seniors 80 and older who receive care at home. The demand for home services will accelerate with the aging population. Home health providers continue to see far more hospital referrals in the COVID-19 landscape.

The Biden administration unveiled a $400 billion plan to substantially expand coverage of home- and community-based services (HCBS). The proposal is part of the President’s popular infrastructure package.

The federal government will invest more in home- and community-based services. Nursing home operators need to increase staffing and quality of care. Providing a home-like environment with more space and a well-compensated staff would increase safety and increase quality of life.