Affordable Care Act

Definition

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is a comprehensive healthcare reform law enacted in March 2010 that aims to make affordable health insurance available to more people, expand the Medicaid program, and support innovative medical care delivery methods designed to lower the costs of healthcare. The ACA has significant implications for various sectors of healthcare, including pharmacology.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The ACA mandates that most individuals have health insurance or face a tax penalty, which has increased the number of insured patients seeking pharmaceutical services.
2. Under the ACA, preventive services including vaccinations and screenings must be covered without patient cost-sharing, impacting nursing responsibilities in administering these drugs.
3. The law includes provisions to close the Medicare Part D 'donut hole,' reducing out-of-pocket costs for prescription medications for seniors.
4. Nursing professionals must be aware of how changes under the ACA affect patient eligibility for medication assistance programs and subsidies.
5. The ACA supports Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), which emphasize coordinated care and may influence drug formulary choices and medication management practices.

Review Questions

• How does the Affordable Care Act impact patient access to preventive services?
• What are the implications of closing the Medicare Part D 'donut hole' on senior patients?
• Why is it important for nurses to understand patient eligibility changes under the ACA?

Related terms

Medicare Part D: A federal program that helps cover the cost of prescription drugs for Medicare beneficiaries.

Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs): Groups of doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers who come together voluntarily to give coordinated high-quality care.

Health Insurance Marketplace: A service available in every state where individuals can shop for and enroll in affordable health insurance.