Over 50 million Americans avail themselves of subsidized or free health under the Affordable Care Act. However, a new analysis reveals an interesting paradox. While there has been an increase in primary care visits, social risks such as concerns about food and rent act as barriers to completing recommended screenings. This data from 186 community-based health organizations in 13 states showcases a complex situation.

Unraveling the Complexities of Affordable Care Act and Preventive Care

Primary Care Visits and Social Risks

Despite the higher rates of primary care visits, patients facing social risks are less likely to complete screenings. For instance, those worried about their food or rent situation might hesitate to undergo the necessary screenings even when recommended by doctors. This shows that access to care alone is not the sole barrier to cancer screening.

It's important to note that some of the correlations found in the study don't seem to make logical sense. The suggestion that doctors are less likely to order certain cancer screenings due to a patient's "food insecurity" or lack of a car is rather perplexing. Doctors are often overwhelmed with their schedules and may struggle to remember every patient's details.

On the other hand, mammography stands out as the only screening with consistent follow-through. This highlights the need to focus on specific aspects of preventive care that show more positive results.

The Rise in Health Insurance Costs and Its Impact

The significant increase in health insurance costs by 400% to provide free care to the poor has always been a contentious issue. There is no clear evidence that this has actually improved health outcomes. In fact, the system has become too big to fail, and we are spending a lot more per capita than in countries like Canada and England.

Wait times in the US are nearly as bad as in other countries, adding to the frustration. Asymptomatic people may be reluctant to go to a doctor's appointment if they are worried about their transportation limitations due to high fuel costs.

The American public's response to the increased food costs and overall demands is evident in the recent elections. Even in California, which is known for its partisan skew, 70% of counties voted for the Republican candidate, highlighting the concerns about crime, homelessness, and high utility costs.