Affordable Care Act: A Top-Quality Question & Answer For Your Inspiration

The Affordable Care Act was a landmark law passed by President Obama. It was designed as a means to increase access to healthcare for millions of Americans. Throughout the country, nurses are starting to feel the effects of this law. As an Emergency Department (ED) nurse, I have first-hand seen changes in the course of my shifts because of the act. Because the law increased the number of people with insurance, they are now seeking medical care. However, most of them are coming into the ED now for treatment because of convenience or not being able to find another primary care physician. As a result, my department has been busier than it has ever been. Due to EMTLA, we cannot refuse treatment to these patients. Emergency care physicians and nurses have had a neutral reaction towards the law based on the nature of the department. They know that more people are using the ED as a primary care center, but are blaming other factors of the health care system rather than the Affordable Care Act. My hospital is based in a location that is close to a college campus. As a result, there are a lot of college-aged patients on nights and weekends. Through talking to these patients, I understand that they are happy to be covered under their parent’s healthcare plan. This is of particular importance to graduate school students who are older and would not be covered under the old health care laws.
Overall, I have seen an increased amount of patients coming through my department because of the Affordable Care Act. Many of my colleagues are not affected by the insurance payouts because of being in the ED. I look forward to seeing how the last two parts of the rollout- the taxing of “Cadillac” healthcare plans and the closing of the Medicare doughnut hole, affect my day-to-day activities.