Urgent Call to Action: Safeguarding the ACA Is Non-Negotiable

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) have significantly impacted medical practice in Arizona over the past two decades, particularly for emergency physicians. According to Dr. Larry DeLuca, a seasoned emergency physician in Tucson, both laws have provided crucial benefits to patients statewide.

EMTALA mandates that no one can be turned away from emergency care, regardless of their financial situation. However, it does not prevent patients from receiving substantial medical bills that can jeopardize their financial stability.

Prior to the introduction of the ACA, nearly one-third of U.S. adults lacked health insurance. Young adults often lost coverage once they moved out for college. The situation worsened for those with pre-existing conditions, as switching jobs frequently led to a loss of necessary healthcare services.

The ACA transformed this landscape by eliminating pre-existing condition exclusions and allowing young adults to remain on their parents’ insurance until the age of 26. This legislation effectively decreased the uninsured rate to below 10%, making hospital admissions less financially daunting for those in need.

Despite ongoing political challenges, the ACA has demonstrated resilience. Recent statistics from the Kaiser Family Foundation indicate a growing number of individuals gaining access to quality, affordable health insurance. In Arizona alone, over 348,055 residents currently have insurance as a result of the ACA.

Arizona was among the first Republican-led states to accept Medicaid expansion under the ACA in 2014. This decision addressed a healthcare crisis that developed when state budget cuts forced many off Arizona’s Medicaid program, AHCCCS. As a consequence, emergency departments saw a surge of patients who were unable to access primary care or necessary medications.

The ACA and Medicaid expansion have yielded substantial benefits since their implementation, with coverage in Arizona more than doubling under the Biden-Harris administration. The administration’s efforts to protect and expand the ACA have aided this progress.

However, recent political developments pose risks to such advancements. Historical examples illustrate the dangers of reduced healthcare coverage, evidenced by a significant decline in health outcomes during previous budget cuts. Under past policies, frequent cases of patients with unmanaged chronic conditions were reported in emergency rooms due to lack of access to regular care.

The Biden administration has further enhanced healthcare accessibility through the Inflation Reduction Act, which lowers out-of-pocket premiums for millions. As a result, approximately 80% of families could secure coverage through the marketplace for minimal monthly payments, improving overall financial stability.

Amid ongoing threats from some lawmakers to repeal the ACA, the stakes for American healthcare remain critical. Millions depend on the ACA for essential coverage, including hundreds of thousands of Arizonans.

Residents, particularly, are keen to avoid a return to the insurance landscape of 2014, which left many uninsured and precarious in their coverage. Past attempts to cut healthcare funding have not only failed to save money but have also placed immense strain on emergency services.

In summary, the ACA and its expansion through Medicaid have significantly improved health outcomes in Arizona. The provisions introduced under the recent Inflation Reduction Act further enhance equity in healthcare coverage, benefiting the health of residents across the state.

Dr. Larry DeLuca is an Emergency Medical doctor in Tucson.