Health reform policy initiatives to promote older women's health

Currently, women's health care is receiving more attention in health policy discussions. This article reviews aspects of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) that seek to improve the health and health care services for older women. Increased access to evidence-based screening assessments for women with Medicare will enhance both the prevention and treatment of acute and chronic diseases. PPACA also contains provisions to expand the gerontological nursing workforce to meet the needs of the rapidly growing population of Medicare-eligible women. Evolving models of care, such as community-based care, shared financial risks, and care coordination, are the current focus of best practice research by the Center of Medicare & Medicaid Innovation. The financing and provision of long-term care is a major issue for women, who represent the majority of adults older than 85. The overarching aim of the new PPACA Medicare changes is to create affordable, quality health care systems that meet the needs of women as they age.