Promoting Prevention through the Affordable Care Act

Abstract

Too many people in our country are not reaching their full potential for health because of preventable conditions. Moreover, Americans receive only about half of the preventive services that are recommended¹ — a finding that highlights the national need for improved health promotion. The 2010 Affordable Care Act² responds to this need with a vibrant emphasis on disease prevention. Many of the 10 major titles in the law, especially Title IV, Prevention of Chronic Diseases and Improving Public Health, advance a prevention theme through a wide array of new initiatives and funding. As a result, we believe that the Act will reinvigorate public health on behalf of individuals, worksites, communities, and the nation at large (see table ) — and will usher in a revitalized era for prevention at every level of society.