Which benefit is associated with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 for older adults?

• A. Coordination of care and care transition improvements
• B. Increased patient costs
• C. Decreased access to preventive services
• D. Longer hospital stays

Answer: (A)

Coordinating care and improving transitions between settings is a key aim for older adults under the 2010 health reform. The ACA adds incentives and support for care coordination, encourages models that manage a patient’s care across hospitals, clinics, and home, and targets reductions in avoidable hospital readmissions. For seniors who often see multiple providers and move between care settings, this focus helps ensure smoother discharge planning, better communication among care teams, and more seamless follow-up—ultimately improving outcomes.

The other choices don’t reflect benefits of the act. The law aims to reduce costs and expand access to preventive services for Medicare beneficiaries, not increase costs or decrease preventive care or extend hospital stays.