Prolonging the conjecture of the Affordable Care Act has great potential harm to many people (Jan. 21 online, “The Supreme Court Refuses to Fast-Track a Challenge to Obamacare”). The critical Affordable Care Act is an important factor in making health care affordable and available to more individuals. This issue will continue to be a concern in the upcoming 2020 elections.
Among the adverse effects of the lack of affordable care, occupational therapy services are impacted. Under the ACA, rehabilitative and habilitative services/devices are covered as one of the essential health benefits. Occupational therapy helps patients enhance/maintain skills for activities of daily living. With the uncertainty of the ACA currently, OT is hindered from expanding delivery services. A crucial aspect of occupational therapy is helping our patients with their independence.
Without access to the ACA, OTs are prevented from providing appropriate services for patients. Ensuring the ACA remains intact, encourages OTs to focus on intervention planning, evidence-based practice and client-centered care, warranting appropriate care to all patients.
Patients covered under the ACA have access to occupational therapy services, which is both necessary and important. With the ACA in this state of ambivalence, less patients will have access to appropriate healthcare.
With the Supreme Court refusing to fast-track the ACA, people are limited in access to affordable health care. Limited access prevents OTs from making an impact on patients and prevents patients from receiving the appropriate care that they need and deserve. Occupational therapists enhance our patients’ quality of life, and without the appropriate assistance from the government, we are limited in our abilities to help each individual in need.
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette