Discussion Week 13- Does Insurance Coverage Lead to Better Health?

Since implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the number of persons

having health insurance has increased as well as required essential benefits to be included on all

health plans (Jones & Sonfield, 2016). However, for the most part Americans are paying more to

for coverage, and have higher deductibles and out-of-pocket costs (U.S. Department of Health

and Human Services, 2017). Unfortunately, this aspect of healthcare alone has deterred me from

seeking medical care often times with acute illnesses, and I assume that I am not alone with this

reality.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2017) reports the epidemic of preventable

diseases is a leading contributor to the high costs of healthcare. Since the Affordable Care Act

has been in place, emphasis on preventative screenings and services has been increasing. Most

health care plans cover preventative services free of charge, in hopes to invest in disease

prevention and wellness, versus treating the disease once it has occurred, which can be very

costly (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2017). Jones and Sonfield (2016)

conducted a survey in hopes to see if there was an increase in the number of women of

childbearing age who had insurance coverage, and were utilizing the care provided, such as

preventative services and screenings. The number of women who were uninsured declined by

seven percent from 2012 to 2015, however there was no significant increase in their access to

healthcare (Jones & Sonfield, 2016). I understand the increased deductibles and out-of-pocket

amounts owed for acute services. On the other hand, if preventative services and screenings are

free of charge, this leads me to wonder why there have not been an increased number of persons

accessing these services. As future providers, it will be essential that we educate our patients on
the importance of these screenings and encourage preventative screenings and services, in hopes

to prevent disease and promote the wellness of our patients.

Jones, R. K., & Sonfield, A. (2016). Health insurance coverage among women of reproductive

age before and after implementation of the affordable care act. Contraception, 93, 386-

391. Doi: 10.1016/j.contraception.2016.01.003

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2017). Strengthening the health insurance

system: How health insurance reform will help Americas older and senior women. In C.

L. Estes, S. A. Chapman, C. Dodd, B. Hollister, & C. Harrington (Eds.), Health Policy:

Crisis and Reform (6th ed.), (pp. 297-311). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.