What We're Reading: ACA Mandate Awareness; Treating Domestic Violence; Preventive Care

Americans Unaware ACA Individual Mandate Was Repealed

A new poll from Kaiser Family Foundation found that the majority of Americans either don’t know that the Affordable Care Act (ACA)’s individual mandate was repealed or are unsure. The Hill reported that only 36% of people surveyed were aware that Congress had repealed the mandate, which requires people to pay a penalty if they don’t have health insurance. Close to half (46%) believed the mandate hasn’t been repealed, while 18% were unsure. Congress’ repeal of the individual mandate takes effect in 2019.

Screening for Domestic Violence and Treating Victims

Health providers around the country are working to better identify victims of domestic abuse to get them help, such as counseling. Victims can suffer long-term health issues that translate into higher health costs than people who have not experienced abuse, according to Kaiser Health News. The ACA has helped drive collaboration between providers and anti-abuse agencies since the law requires domestic violence screening and counseling. In California, a women’s center will open a short-term shelter for victims who don’t have a place to go after they are treated in the emergency department.

Does Preventive Care Truly Reduce Overall Costs?

Providing patients, especially those with chronic diseases, with access to covered preventive care is supposed to reduce overall healthcare spending by ensuring patients get care before they get seriously sick. However, the truth is that there are no data to back up that claim, according to The New York Times blog The Upshot. The reality is that people use care more when the cost for it is reduced. While prevention does not reduce spending, research has found that it improves outcomes, makes people healthier, and improves quality of life—all for a reasonable price.