Question

Please review the assigned article, “Affordable Care Act Provision Lowered Out-Of-Pocket Cost And Increased Colonoscopy Rates Among Men In Medicare,” by Hamman & Kapinos (2015) and answer the following questions in an essay no longer than one page single-spaced.

Based on the information presented in this lesson, what are two key features of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) that made it particularly useful for evaluating the impact of section 4104 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on annual colonoscopy rates (as was done in the Hamman & Kapinos 2015 paper)? What is one limitation to BRFSS data for this policy evaluation? Do you think the strengths of BRFSS data outweigh the limitations for answering the questions posed in this article? Please explain your answers.

Answer 1

Two key features:
- ACA was the expansion of Medicaid to the person who is below the federal level of poverty.
-ACA established health insurance for an individual to cover health insurance for financial assistance and coverage.
Recommended service for ACA implementation including screening colon and supplemental insurance coverage upto20% cost of screening service, co-payments, meeting plan deductible for out of pocket costs for some screening service. BRFSS surveys increase colonoscopy among medicare men with low SES men than women. ACA impact on cancer screening and supported earlier diagnosis to find screening modalities. One limitation to BRFSS data for this policy evaluation is the short term effects of the reform. BRFSS survey strength the provision coverage and to control adults not affected and increase the early-stage diagnosis for cancer by screening and clinical exam.