Perceived Impact of the Affordable Care Act in Rural Florida Communities

Background: The Affordable Care Act (ACA), signed into law on March 23, 2010, has comprehensively altered health care policy across the United States. As of 2014, the ACA transformed non-group insurance markets, required all residents to have health insurance, reorganized spending in Medicaid and Medicare, and expanded public insurance coverage while subsidizing private insurance. This study explored the perceived changes brought upon by the implementation of ACA provisions in rural counties in North Florida; a mostly underserved medical area – a growing emphasis of the ACA.

Methods: As part of an ongoing study, key informant interviews and community focus groups conducted through the Rural South Public Health Training Center will be analyzed in order to identify the perceived impact in health care access and services within multiple Florida counties. Grounded theory will inform the interplay between the health care reform changes and the perceived changes that will engender themes through open coding.

Results: The data collected thus far suggests that many of the ACA changes have been unrecognized. Discrepancies in knowledge and information regarding the effects of the ACA were identified by individuals within the counties. Additionally, there are both positive and negative perceptions with regards to implementation of these provisions.  

Conclusions: Preliminary results indicate a potential need among both community members and health care professionals for more training and education with regards to the ACA. Reducing possible incongruities among community members and health professionals has the potential to alter community perceptions.