The Affordable Care Act and child asthma: Lowering health care barriers by raising our voices

Abstract

BackgroundThis policy discussion addresses the provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that impact children with asthma. PurposeThe purpose of this policy paper is to inform health care professionals and lawmakers about ACA provisions affecting pediatric asthma care and provide recommendations for policy changes that can improve equitable care for children with asthma. MethodsThe issues addressed involve discrimination, Medicaid policy oversight, quality improvement stategy, data collection, school-based health care funding, accountable care organization reimbursement, and the extension of dependent coverage. DiscussionHealth care policy development that focuses on human rights, and not market valuation, could reduce health inequity among children with asthma. ConclusionPolicy recommendations are presented to improve asthma care for a population that is largely vulnerable due to age, socioeconomic status, and discrimination.