Short Answer 
The HMO Act aims to reduce healthcare costs by promoting managed care and preventive services, while the ACA implements regulations to control costs through administrative spending limits and improved operational efficiencies. However, online scheduling and the Cures Act, while beneficial for efficiency and innovation, do not directly contribute to lowering healthcare costs.
1. Understand the HMO Act’s Goals
The HMO Act, or Health Maintenance Organization Act, was established specifically to lower health care costs through the promotion of managed care. This system emphasizes the importance of preventive services and efficient use of resources. Key components include:
- Development of health maintenance organizations (HMOs)
- Provision of comprehensive health services for a set fee
- Control of costs through efficient resource utilization
2. Explore the Role of the Affordable Care Act (ACA)
The Affordable Care Act introduced several regulations designed to control overall healthcare costs. These measures focus on restricting administrative spending and improving operational efficiencies. Important aspects include:
- Implementation of caps on administrative costs
- Mandating electronic medical records for improved data management
- Encouraging broader access to affordable health insurance
3. Recognize the Limitations of Online Scheduling and the Cures Act
While online scheduling and Health IT certification can enhance operational efficiency, they do not directly address cost reduction. Similarly, the Cures Act primarily focuses on advancing medical innovation and research rather than targeting healthcare cost decreases. It is essential to understand their scope in the broader context of healthcare costs. Key points include:
- Online scheduling aids in streamlining appointments
- Health IT certification improves compliance and operational standards
- The Cures Act enhances medical advancements but not cost efficiency