PATIENT PROTECTION & AFFORDABLE CARE ACT OF 2010 (P.P.A.C.A.)

HCA305: The U.S. Health Care System
Instructor Delana Chappell-James
January 14, 2013

PATIENT PROTECTION & AFFORDABLE CARE ACT OF 2010 (P.P.A.C.A.)
Introduction
If there is one thing that most Americans are in agreement with, it is the vile shape of our U.S. health care system. There is no argument that the U.S. health care system is in need of an overhaul, however, there is much debate over just how to effectively go about the process. The public have voiced greatest concern in the health care areas of costs, quality and access. Many presidents have pondered the idea of health care reform; a few even made attempts to start the ball rolling. The first …show more content…

a "historic victory" and "landmark legislation" that reforms the US health care system by reigning in health care costs, making health care affordable and protecting consumers from unfair insurance practices. They say the law will reduce the nation's deficit by more than $100 billion by 2020 and by $1 trillion by 2030 (ProCon.org). Whereas, opponents have called the law a "socialist" and "unconstitutional" government takeover of the health care system that will increase the cost of health care and decrease the quality (ProCon.org). They say the law will cost more than $2.5 trillion over 10 years and drive the US deeper into debt. Several congressional representatives and special interest groups have initiated attempts to repeal HR 3590.
Personal Reaction To The P.P.A.C.A.: In My Opinion While there is no denying that our broken health care system is in dire need of an overhaul, it is uncertain if the P.P.A.C.A. is capable of accomplishing such a task. The bottom line is that we need reform and though the P.P.A.C.A. has its pros and cons, it is a start in the right direction. The fact that the law will provide coverage to millions of Americans currently uninsured is fantastic. In addition, increasing payments for Medicaid equal to that of Medicare payments is great. However, what will the result of adding millions more to the Medicaid system help when it is close to impossible to find a primary care physician already? Also, the provision of free