Impact of Healthcare Reform on Society - Essay Example

Healthcare reform has attracted immense debate in the country. The debate occurred before and after the signing of the healthcare reform. President Obama signed the reform into law in 2010 (U.S. News, 2014). The reform was because democrats struggled to have it passed for decades. The proponent of the reform believes it will help in expanding the availability and affordability of healthcare. On the other hand, the opponent believes the law is a dangerous expansion of the government power which they have named “Obamacare” (U.S. News, 2014). On the other hand, the law has faced opponents from the private sector as they deem the law will affect them significantly.

The ACA has significant benefits to the consumers of health care. The law has provisions that enable American people to make informed choices about their health (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2014). The act also makes it mandatory that children less than 19 years cannot be limited to healthcare plans based on their preexisting condition (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2014). Moreover, individuals under the age of 26 years will still be covered by their parent’s health plan. Furthermore, the act also addresses issues to do with insurance. For example, insurance has been put on notice not to cancel individual coverage. Moreover, there is the right of appeal once the patient is denied payment.

On the other hand, the act addresses issues to do with cost. For example, the act ends lifetime limits on coverage (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2014). Moreover, the money is supposed to be spent on primary health care, but not on administrative costs (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2014). Additionally, the act stipulates that preventive care will be carried out at no cost. In addition, one has a right to choose a doctor which allows one to seek emergency attention outside the health plan network (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2014).

The act will have a profound impact. First, it will help in expanding coverage to many people (America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), 2014). Secondly, the act guarantees coverage for preexisting conditions to individuals and families. Third, there will be increased subsidies to make it less costly to consumers (AHIP, 2014). Moreover, consumers will be free to find policies that best meet their needs. However, there is likely to be an increased cost of coverage (AHIP, 2014). As a result, some individuals may be forced to get insurance only when they become sick or injured and hence may increase the cost of coverage (AHIP, 2014).

In conclusion, the reforms will lead to a profound impact. The reform will help in caring for the healthcare needs of the majority of people. On the other hand, it will affect another sector of the economy in significant ways.