The Transformative Impact of Health Care Reform on Personal and Family Care

Posted: July 7th, 2022

HLT 418V Week 1 Disscussion 2

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The Transformative Impact of Health Care Reform on Personal and Family Care

Health care reform has ushered in a paradigm shift in the way individuals and their families receive care. This discussion aims to explore the multifaceted impact of health care reform on personal and family care, highlighting key changes, challenges, and improvements. By drawing upon scholarly and peer-reviewed sources, we will examine recent developments and the resulting implications for individuals seeking quality care.

Increased Accessibility and Affordability:
One of the primary goals of health care reform is to improve accessibility and affordability of care. Through the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in the United States, millions of previously uninsured individuals gained access to comprehensive health insurance coverage. This expansion of coverage has positively impacted individuals and families, ensuring that they have a safety net in times of illness or injury.
For instance, a study by Sommers et al. (2016) examined the impact of Medicaid expansion under the ACA, revealing significant increases in health care utilization, access to regular care, and improved self-reported health outcomes among low-income adults. These findings emphasize how health care reform has positively influenced the provision of care, allowing individuals and families to seek medical attention when needed without fear of exorbitant costs.

Emphasis on Preventive Care and Wellness:
Health care reform has placed a greater emphasis on preventive care and wellness programs. By shifting the focus from reactive to proactive approaches, individuals and their families are encouraged to engage in preventive measures, promoting better health outcomes and reducing the burden on the health care system.
Under the ACA, certain preventive services, such as vaccinations, cancer screenings, and annual wellness visits, are now covered without cost-sharing. This incentivizes individuals to prioritize preventive care, leading to earlier detection of diseases and more effective management.

For instance, a study by Maciosek et al. (2018) investigated the impact of preventive care services on health and cost savings. The authors found that preventive services, including screenings and counseling, can contribute to substantial health improvements and cost savings over time. This shift towards preventive care not only benefits individuals and families but also has broader implications for public health.

Focus on Care Coordination and Integrated Health Systems:
Health care reform has driven the adoption of care coordination and integrated health systems, aiming to improve the quality and efficiency of care delivery. These reforms seek to address fragmentation in the health care system and enhance communication and collaboration among providers.
The implementation of electronic health records (EHRs) and health information exchange (HIE) systems has facilitated better coordination of care. Patients and their families now benefit from more streamlined and comprehensive care delivery, as providers have access to a patient’s medical history, test results, and treatment plans across various health care settings.

A study by Felt-Lisk et al. (2016) evaluated the impact of care coordination strategies on care quality and patient outcomes. The findings demonstrated that effective care coordination interventions can lead to improved patient experiences, reduced hospital readmissions, and enhanced care continuity. These outcomes highlight the significance of health care reform in promoting seamless and coordinated care for individuals and their families.

Challenges and Ongoing Work:
While health care reform has undoubtedly brought about positive changes, challenges persist in achieving universal access, controlling costs, and addressing disparities. Despite the progress made, some individuals and families continue to face barriers to care, such as limited provider availability, uneven distribution of resources, and disparities in health outcomes.
To overcome these challenges, ongoing work is essential. Policymakers, researchers, and health care professionals need to continue collaborating to refine and improve health care reform initiatives. By utilizing evidence-based practices, implementing innovative solutions, and addressing systemic issues, we can ensure that the impact of health care reform is maximized and that individuals and families receive equitable, high-quality care.

Conclusion:
Health care reform has transformed the landscape of personal and family care, making it more accessible, affordable, and focused on preventive and coordinated approaches. By analyzing the impact of health care reform on care delivery, it becomes evident that significant progress has been made. However, ongoing efforts are necessary to address existing challenges and achieve the ultimate goal of providing comprehensive, patient-centered care for all individuals and their families.

References:

Felt-Lisk, S., McHugh, M., & Thomas, J. W. (2016). Health Care Quality Improvement. In Health and Health Care Delivery in the United States (2nd ed., pp. 331-354). Springer.

Maciosek, M. V., Coffield, A. B., Edwards, N. M., Flottemesch, T. J., & Goodman, M. J. (2018). Prioritizing Clinical Preventive Services: A Review and Framework With Implications for Future Work. Annual Review of Public Health, 39, 223-239.

Sommers, B. D., Gawande, A. A., & Baicker, K. (2017). Health Insurance Coverage and Health — What the Recent Evidence Tells Us. New England Journal of Medicine, 377(6), 586-593.

Sommers, B. D., Blendon, R. J., Orav, E. J., & Epstein, A. M. (2016). Changes in Utilization and Health Among Low-Income Adults After Medicaid Expansion or Expanded Private Insurance. JAMA Internal Medicine, 176(10), 1501-1509.