Healthcare Acts Of Legislation You Should Know As An American
Under the surveillance of Congress, the health agencies in the U.S. introduce laws aimed towards the general public’s well-being. The HHS or the Department of Health and Human Services looks after the health issues and general concerns of every citizen of the United States. It leads the initiatives for the improvement of public health as well as advanced medical research. In the year 2016, the Department of Health and Human Services called for the improvement of patient outcomes and the reduction in medical costs. The HHS has set certain goals and has worked towards them with the help of new laws. Following are some healthcare acts of legislation you should know as a citizen of the United States.
Medicare
Approximately 50 people in America receive insurance coverage from the Medicare program. In 1945, Harry Truman, the then president of the United States, wanted to ensure all the American citizens and urged Congress to bring it into order. John F. Kennedy, during his tenure as the president, was successful in providing insurance coverage to all the senior citizens in the country. As per the Congressional Budget Office forecast, the Medicare program is all set to survive for an indefinite period.
Medicaid
The legislation by President Johnson in 1965 had a provision that entitles individuals and families with a low income to insurance coverage. In present times, Medicaid has offered insurance coverage to more than 70 million U.S. citizens. In 2014 hospitals received approximately half of all the medical expenditures to compensate them. Different types of people, such as expectant mothers without insurance, unemployed workers, and disabled people, get insurance coverage under the Medicaid program. If you consider the recent reports, the new legislation is reducing the percentage of uninsured citizens in the country to below 9%. The Medicaid program boasts of the highest coverage percentage in the history of the United States.
Healthcare Quality Improvement Act of 1986
HCQIA, or the Healthcare Quality Improvement Act, offers institutions and medical professionals immunity when conducting assessments. The law came into existence after a Supreme Court ruling about the abuse of evaluating the quality of physicians. This law protects medical professionals from trouble in situations where they face legal action related to the peer-review process. The law also encourages all physicians to face risky and unprofessional peer conduct.
Children’s Health Insurance Program
CHIP or Children’s Healthcare Program has been providing health coverage to kids who come from low-income families. It is the 2009 Children’s Health Insurance Authorization Act that CHIP originated from. It has delivered services to all those clients who did not qualify on previous occasions. Underprivileged kids benefit from this. That is because they receive funds from their states and the federal governments. This service has been made accessible to a maximum number of children from low-income households in the history of the United States with the help of the ACA or Affordable Care Act.
The 2010 Affordable Care Act
ACA or the Affordable Care Act, a more or less modified version of all the coverage programs that the U.S. presidents envisaged in their times. President Barack Obama made it effective in 2010 and thus changing the face of healthcare. According to the ACA, a majority of American citizens must have health insurance coverage. If they fail to apply or enroll themselves, they have to pay a fine.
As per the law, for companies that have over 200 employees, providing health insurance coverage is a must. Some protected groups are, however, exempted from a penalty. The American Health Benefits Exchange came into effect following the ACA. This enables American citizens to review an insurance plan and compare them with others.
Conclusion
Besides this, there is much more important healthcare legislation that professionals should know about. This includes the PSQIA or Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act of 2005, HIPAA or Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, and HRRP or Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program. However, remember that these laws vary from state to state and country to country. So, make sure you do ample research on your local laws for a better understanding! Awareness about the local laws and legislation would help you know your rights and safeguard you during medical emergencies. Was this blog helpful? Do let us know your thoughts in the comments section!
More in Motivation
-
`
6 of the Richest Female Rappers in the World
Who is the richest female rapper in 2024? Well, the hip-hop world has seen a surge in powerful female voices who...
July 29, 2024 -
`
Does Insurance Cover Physical Therapy?
When it comes to physical therapy, a common question arises: Do you use health insurance for physical therapy? Well, navigating the...
July 25, 2024 -
`
Does Coughing Work Your Abs? Here’s All You Ought to Know
When it comes to unexpected ways to engage your core, you might find yourself asking: Does coughing work your abs? The...
July 19, 2024 -
`
How to Prepare Rice Water for Weight Loss – Benefits and Uses
Rice water isn’t just a staple in traditional remedies—it’s a powerhouse of benefits for health and beauty. From treating diarrhea to...
July 12, 2024 -
`
Amanda Bynes Pregnant at 13? Debunking the Rumors
In recent years, the internet has been ablaze with rumors surrounding former child star Amanda Bynes, particularly regarding allegations of a...
July 1, 2024 -
`
Can Baking Soda Clean Your Lungs?
Years of inhaling cigarette smoke, pollution, and other toxins can leave you longing for a way to cleanse your lungs. The...
June 27, 2024 -
`
How to Build Muscle Mass After 60? 5 Proven Strategies
Curious about how to build muscle mass after 60? You are not alone. And the good news is that it is...
June 20, 2024 -
`
Prediabetic Foods That Can Lower Your Blood Sugar in 2024
Prediabetes is a health condition characterized by blood sugar levels that are higher than normal but not high enough to be...
June 13, 2024 -
`
Kelly Clarkson’s Weight Loss Journey | Here Are the Details
Kelly Clarkson’s weight loss has been a hot topic among fans and media alike. The iconic American singer and host of...
June 3, 2024
You must be logged in to post a comment Login