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The Affordable Care Act (ACA) otherwise known as Obamacare, is a legislative health care provider that aims to improve the financial burdens that communities face. It creates an incentive for employers to provide health insurance and requires that nearly all people not covered by their employer or a government insurance program, enroll in Medicare or Medicaid, or purchase private health insurance (Schrek 2016).
      The most important element regarding this Act is the pre-existing condition coverage. It means that Health insurers can no longer deny coverage or charge more for services, once the insurance is bought and there’s a pre-existing condition like cancer or diabetes (U.S Department of Health & Human Services, 2017). This Act also aims to provide health insurance for those who would not have otherwise had the money. The role of the community and public health is to offer pre-screening for diseases, preventative care, and low-cost services that will benefit all the people.
      The role of the nurse in implementing this law is to advocate for patients to seek accessible health care and to seek preventative care even if they are healthy. For example, holding Fairs and Health information sessions to help with educating the community about vaccinations for the flu virus during the flu season, pre-screening for high blood pressure and annual health checks. Nurses play a role in the mission of the ACA, nationally and globally, provide equitable health care and the reduction of health disparities (Green 2018). The nursing profession is crucial in educating and taking care of the public. The American Nurses Association (ANA), is very supportive of the Affordable Care Act and upholds any court decisions. The ANA is “actively engaging with federal policymakers and regulators to advocate for system transformation” (ANA 2014).