1. Ap u.s. government & politics
Wednesday, March 7, 2018

2. Current events discussion
7 Minutes

3. National health care: the affordable care act and alternatives

4. The Affordable Care Act
AKA, “Obamacare”
Goals:
Increase the quality affordability of health insurance
Decrease the number of uninsured people
Reduce the overall cost of healthcare in the country
Mechanisms:
Mandates
Individual Mandate was repealed by the Tax Reform Act of 2017
Subsidies
Insurance Exchanges

5. Obamacare Mechanisms/Provisions
1) The Individual Mandate
Individuals who are not covered by an employer plan or government program must purchase their own health insurance or pay a fine
How does this bring down the average cost of insurance for all Americans?
2) Employer Mandate
Businesses with at least 50 full-time employees must offer health insurance to their full-time workers or pay a fine
What might be an unintended effect of this provision?
3) Government Subsidies
Individuals and families earning 100% to 400% of the federal poverty level receive subsidies from the federal government to help them purchase insurance on an Exchange
4) Insurance Exchanges
Individuals and businesses can compare and purchases insurance policies within their state
5) Expansion of Medicaid
Now available to individuals earning up to 133% of the federal poverty level
In states that accept the additional federal funds

6. Alternatives to Obamacare
1) Government Option
2) Single-Payer System

7. Kahoot! Review: Unit 2
Political Beliefs and Behaviors

8. Public policy project work

9. Homework
Textbook, Chapter 17: Reading and Outline due Tomorrow