Welcome to Module 15

In this module we'll take a look at the present and the future of public health.

Module Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

Understand the new landscape of health promotion. (Discuss Healthy People 2030. (CLO 1)
Develop relationships with community partners. (CLO 2)
Learn about which organizations help to shape community and public health. (CLO 3)
Analyze the importance of prevention and control of diseases and health conditions. (CLO 4)

(CLO = Course Learning Outcome)

To Do

Please read/watch all of the module learning materials (readings, presentations, videos, etc.) and complete all assignments/assessments listed below. If you have questions, please contact the course instructor or ask in the Questions About This Course forum.

Readings and Presentations:

How has the ACA allowed the underserved to receive care?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, has facilitated access to healthcare for underserved populations in several ways:

Medicaid Expansion: One of the key provisions of the ACA was the expansion of Medicaid eligibility to cover individuals with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level. This expansion extended coverage to millions of low-income adults who were previously ineligible for Medicaid.
Subsidized Health Insurance Marketplaces: The ACA established health insurance marketplaces where individuals and families can shop for private insurance plans. Many low- and middle-income individuals qualify for subsidies to help them afford coverage through these marketplaces.
Protections for Pre-existing Conditions: Before the ACA, individuals with pre-existing conditions often faced discrimination by insurance companies, which could deny them coverage or charge them exorbitant premiums. The ACA prohibits such practices, ensuring that individuals cannot be denied coverage or charged more because of their health status.
Expansion of Preventive Services: The ACA requires insurance plans to cover certain preventive services, such as vaccinations, cancer screenings, and well-woman visits, without cost-sharing. This encourages early detection and prevention of diseases, particularly benefiting underserved populations who may otherwise forgo preventive care due to cost barriers.
Community Health Centers: The ACA provided funding to expand community health centers, which play a crucial role in providing primary care and other health services to underserved populations, including those in rural and low-income areas.
Elimination of Lifetime Limits: The ACA prohibits insurance companies from imposing lifetime limits on coverage, ensuring that individuals with chronic or serious health conditions can continue to receive necessary care without fear of exhausting their coverage.

Overall, the ACA has helped reduce the uninsured rate and improve access to healthcare services for underserved populations, although challenges remain in ensuring equitable access and addressing healthcare disparities.

Videos:

CDC: Introduction to Public Health [52 min, 6 sec]

(n.d.-a). Introduction to Public Health. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dmJSLNgjxo

CDC: Health Equity [4 min, 15 sec]

(n.d.-a). Health Equity. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8UAanK5WNA

CDC: How Does Disease Spread? [12 min, 42 sec]

(n.d.-b). How Does Disease Spread?. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QLgXzyXOH0

CDC: Where do Public Health Data Come From? [12 min, 30 sec]

(n.d.-d). Where Do Public Health Data Come From?. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXIHNTeFmV0

CDC: Why Do Laboratory Testing? [11 min, 33 sec]

(n.d.-e). Why do laboratory testing?. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWTOoR9UWzw

CDC: How Are Health Data Visualized? [12 min, 7 sec]

(n.d.-b). How Are Public Health Data Visualized?. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-tH_juih4w

US Department of Health and Human Services: Five Things to Know About Healthy People 2030s Framework [3 min, 2 sec]

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.-i). Five Things to Know about Healthy People 2030’s Framework. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACEgRgycwIk

Assignments/Assessments:

Complete the following assignments by the date and time indicated on each assignment page.

Learn where we are and where we are going. No discussion or quiz.

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