Many individuals who are pursuing in a masters in public health are interested in the development and improvement of public health programs. The Affordable Care Act, a small component of healthcare reform, has been cause for serious debate over the last presidential term. One January 31st, 2011 U.S. District Judge Roger Vinson found the Affordable Care Act unconstitutional. Judge Vinson’s argument is that mandating the purchase of health insurance and requiring every citizen in the United States negates the constitution. This newfound court decision could further set back the essential healthcare reform component that is meant to provide millions of uninsured Americans with health coverage. If you have researched information for a masters in public health online, you will find that the Affordable Care Act has many critics and many loyal supporters. While there are legitimate arguments explained from both sides, the fact the United States is lagging behind all other industrial nations in healthcare insurance for citizens is something everyone agrees on.
When the Affordable Care Act was passed in 2010 a majority of the company rejoiced. While some appreciated the fact that health insurance companies could no longer deny applicants because of pre-existing conditions, others appreciated the fact that affordable plans would be available to those with a low monthly income. Individuals supporting the Affordable Care Act of 2010 are either underinsured or uninsured all together. Uninsured members of society lack the health care and prevention services they need to live a happy and healthy life. As a citizen of the nation, supporters of the Affordable Care Act believe it is their constitutional right to have access to affordable and proper healthcare. This new healthcare reform gives them the right to life, which is directly stated on the constitution. The with Act at risk of being overturned, citizens who once had hope are now skeptical if uniform healthcare will ever exist in the United States.
Skeptics of the Affordable Care Act support Judge Roger Vinson’s ruling that the Act passed in 2010 is unconstitutional. Their primary argument is that requiring all citizens of the nation to purchase and maintain their own healthcare insurance violates the rights stated in the US constitution. It is important to understand that most skeptics are not opposed to some form of universal healthcare insurance in the United States. While they are not opposed to universal healthcare, skeptics do not believe mandating health care coverage is the way to go about providing uninsured citizens with the proper coverage they need. The fact that citizens who already fall into low-income bracket could be fined for not carry continuous healthcare coverage does not sit well with those opposed to the act. Dissenters of the act feel like this is just another “mention of how the federal government is sticking its hands in our pockets.”
Not all members of Congress are opposed to the Affordable Care Act passed in 2010. Some congressmen believe there are positive aspects to the act that must be revised and set forth in a different manner. Republican congressmen proposed a different strategy- a compromise between the national healthcare system and the individual purchasing insurance. While compromise is something the Act is aiming for, congressmen who once supported the proposal of affordable healthcare have now become the proposal’s main opponent. The justice system is full of supporters and dissenters. Legislators opposed to the healthcare reform are extremely happy with the court decision on January 31. Giving states the right to nullify the healthcare reform policies, Governors and State Legislators are more than happy with the Vinson’s decision even if it is only a tactic to delay policies.
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