IndexThe Affordable Care ActFunding for the Affordable Care ActEconomic FactorsCost ContainmentConclusionWith all the technological advancements in the medical field, the United States has yet to provide free healthcare to its citizens. Healthcare in the United States is still treated as a privilege, accessed by only a select few who can afford it. Those who cannot afford it are essentially left without health insurance, leaving them unprotected. Many people are deprived of their right to healthcare simply because of the way the healthcare system is set up. This paper will discuss how financial factors such as funding sources, reimbursement methods, economic factors, corporate influences, and cost achievement have affected today's healthcare system. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayThe Affordable Care ActPresident Obama enacted the Affordable Care Act (ACA) or commonly known as Obamacare in 2010. It was established to provide comprehensive and affordable health insurance to all citizens of the United States. The ACA essentially allowed more uninsured Americans to become insured by creating online marketplaces where people could purchase their own insurance. Through the ACA, millions of people were able to obtain affordable health insurance for themselves and their families. More importantly, the ACA helped eliminate that part of the previous healthcare system that allowed insurance companies to reject people with pre-existing conditions such as cancer, diabetes or asthma. The ACA virtually helped set the protocols of health insurance companies in motion through several regulatory changes ensuring millions of citizens the opportunity to obtain health insurance. The ability to finance health services is an important factor that contributes to the quality of care a person receives. In the United States, health insurance is financed by a combination of public and private funds. Programs like Medicare and Medicaid are funded jointly by the government and taxpayer dollars. These programs help support people over the age of 65 and those with very low income. Another source of funds for health insurance companies is through privately financed health care. Privately financed healthcare includes self-pay for care without insurance and insurance provided to an individual by an employer. Additionally, it is important to recognize that someone's socioeconomic status influences the type of care they receive. A person who has access to more money can afford better care because it allows access to better doctors and faster treatment. Unfortunately, for someone who isn't fortunate enough to have the same financial means, that could mean putting off seeing a doctor simply because they don't have health insurance or enough money to pay a copay. Therefore, having access to health insurance is critical for everyone to receive the quality care they deserve. Funding for the Affordable Care ActThe Affordable Care Act is funded by government spending cuts and tax increases. Another way the ACA is funded is by imposing penalties on those who choose not to purchase it. As well as penalizing employers who do not provide health insurance to workers. Regardless of how it is funded, the ACA is a beneficial program that has provided many uninsured Americans.