New website explores and outs of Affordable Care Act; useful tool for reporters

One of the most complex and far-reaching pieces of legislation to pass in recent years is the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the federal health-care reform law that, among other provisions, requires Americans to buy health insurance or pay a penalty.

But because of its complexity, journalists can shy away from delving into stories about it. With state insurance exchanges and Medicaid expansion sure to be hot topics during the election season and the legislative session, it’s important to have reliable sources of information about the law. The American Public Health Association has a website that answers many if not most of the questions reporters, and the public, often have.

The website:
• Reviews the fundamentals about the Affordable Care Act and links to information about Medicaid expansion, insurance exchanges and the individual mandate.

• Looks at the implementation timeline of the law.

• Includes fact sheets about the ACA’s prevention funding program, which allows seniors and others to get free preventive care including mammograms and other screenings.

• Breaks down the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the law.

The website is a useful tool in any health reporter’s arsenal and is worth a look. (Read more)