Does Affordable Care Act Promote Preventive Care Services?

This paper investigates whether the Affordable Care Act of 2010 adequately provides for preventive care services, which is a major element for the provision of universal healthcare for the American people. The paper relies on a historical review of the provisions of the Act and empirical evidence from literature to conclude that the Affordable Care Act has adequate provisions for preventive care services. The paper therefore suggests that policy makers should expand the enrollment period to accommodate individuals who may not be able to register within the enrolment period but may stand in need of a comprehensive periodic care, especially pregnant women who need prenatal care during the term of their pregnancy. The paper also recommends that those states yet to establish exchanges should set aside political differences, to enable the citizens take appropriate steps to benefit from the preventive care services provided by the healthcare program. The paper then concludes that the universality of the Affordable Care Act implies a good implementation of preventive care services.