Final answer:
The Affordable Care Act introduced regulations to control healthcare costs, including a cap on administrative costs and a requirement for electronic medical records. Recent changes include the implementation of value-based payment models and the expansion of Medicaid.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) introduced regulations to control healthcare costs. One of these regulations is a cap on the amount healthcare providers can spend on administrative costs. Another regulation is the requirement for healthcare providers to switch to electronic medical records (EMRs) to reduce administrative costs. Since the ACA became effective in 2011, two recent items that have changed include the implementation of value-based payment models and the expansion of Medicaid.
Value-based payment models are reimbursement systems that reward healthcare providers based on the quality of care they deliver, rather than the quantity of services provided. This change incentivizes healthcare providers to focus on improving patient outcomes and reducing costs. It encourages the use of EHRs for better coordination of care and tracking patient progress.
The expansion of Medicaid is another significant change since the ACA became effective. Medicaid is a government program that provides health coverage for low-income individuals and families. The ACA expanded the eligibility criteria for Medicaid, allowing more people to qualify for healthcare coverage. This expansion has increased the number of individuals with access to EHRs and improved patient care.