Free Essay On Affordable Care Act

The area I want to practice in is Labor and Delivery. As a future Labor and Delivery nurse, one key point that really caught my attention was the provision that Medicaid will cover tobacco cessation programs for pregnant women (Summary of the Affordable Care Act, 2016). Aside from the ill effects of tobacco on the smoker’s health, the development of the baby is also affected. Smoking affects the placenta, lowers the oxygen available for the baby and increases risks of health problems to the baby (Betobaccofree.hhs.gov, 2016). The financial support that pregnant mothers will get through Medicaid who are willing to stop smoking will encourage pregnant smokers to adhere to smoking cessation programs because of less financial stress on their part. Another key point is the requirement for qualified health plans to provide immunizations, preventive care for infants, children, adolescents and women even at a minimum coverage. Screenings for gestational diabetes, breast cancer are also covered. These preventive services coverage will impact mothers, infants alike such that there will be early detection and prevention of diseases. Early management can be initiated, too. Another key point for pregnant women is coverage for the provision of comprehensive breastfeeding support, supplies such as breast pumps and counseling throughout pregnancy (Weinstein, 2015).
The Affordable Care Act increased funding by $11 million for health centers and health clinics and National Health Service Corps. Opportunities will be given to nurses who are willing to venture and expand into community health (Summary of the Affordable Care Act, 2016). The increased funding will provide nurses opportunities for improvement in their current fields. In the aspect of workforce, increased scholarships and loans, trainings on cultural competence, primary care, and recruitment to serve underserved and rural areas are provided (Summary of the Affordable Care Act, 2016). This is not only important to me as a nurse but to the nursing profession as a whole. The quality of nursing care in 5-10 years will definitely improve due to these training programs and increased capacity for education. With this, the patients will benefit from quality care. The last key idea is Medicare providing free wellness visits and preventive services annually (Summary of the Affordable Care Act, 2016). This will not only improve the wellness of people but also the nurses because we will be involved with the provision and development of these programs. This provides opportunities for nurses to be proactive in the prevention of diseases for the well-being of people in the present and in the future.