Implementation of Healthcare Reform Dragana Loncar University Ohio Implementation of Healthcare Reform The purpose of this document is to examine the status of implementation of healthcare reform in the state of Ohio. Throughout the article I will discuss whether healthcare reform has been effective and name some of the positive and negative outcomes. Additionally, I will discuss how healthcare reform is impacting community health. Discussion of the effects of health care reform on the economy in Ohio will conclude this article. Overview of Healthcare Reform The United States (US) has a healthcare system that is very different from any other healthcare system in the world (Nies & McEwen, 2015). It is often recognized as one of the latest technological inventions, but at the same time it is often criticized for being excessively expensive (Nies & McEwen, 2015). In 2010, President Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, n.d.). This plan was implemented in an effort to make preventive care more affordable and accessible for all uninsured Americans (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, n.d.). Under the law, the new Patient Bill of Rights gives consumers the power to be responsible for their health care choices. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, n.d.). Healthcare Reform in My State The purpose of the ACA in America, as well as in Ohio, is to make healthcare easily accessible, more affordable, and to improve the quality of healthcare for consumers (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2015). By being able to sign up for health insurance through the Marketplace, Ohio residents can choose coverage at a cost that...... middle of the paper......nce (Kaspen, Gorman & Miller, 2013 ) Encouraging Choices healthy lifestyle choices, such as quitting smoking, following a healthy diet, controlling weight, blood pressure and cholesterol, people are healthier and have a reduced risk of developing chronic conditions, ultimately reducing the need for medical care and money spent for this purpose (Kaspen, Gorman & Miller, 2013). In conclusion, healthcare reform begins with prevention. By focusing on improving people's lifestyle and quality of life, their overall well-being will improve. With all the opportunities the ACA offers to improve the nation's health by supporting fitness, discouraging smoking, encouraging healthy eating and weight management, making health insurance affordable, and implementing preventative services, they could lead to a huge improvement not only of people's health but of the economy. Also.