This is an interesting white paper not so much because of the topic or thesis but putting it all together with the author and you can understand why. Since I am not a big fan of the ACA to say the least nor most of the policies of the President I will add no comment although I do like his use of charts in here- but it is interesting to see the President write a paper on the topic and spending time on important issues besides lifting 3 pound barbells in Poland (again) – although he has some competition from Donald Trump – check that one out here.
Without further to do – US Health Care Reform: Progress and Next Steps Barack Obama, JD1
Importance The Affordable Care Act is the most important health care legislation enacted in the United States since the creation of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965. The law implemented comprehensive reforms designed to improve the accessibility, affordability, and quality of health care.
Objectives To review the factors influencing the decision to pursue health reform, summarize evidence on the effects of the law to date, recommend actions that could improve the health care system, and identify general lessons for public policy from the Affordable Care Act.
Evidence Analysis of publicly available data, data obtained from government agencies, and published research findings. The period examined extends from 1963 to early 2016.
Conclusions and Relevance Policy makers should build on progress made by the Affordable Care Act by continuing to implement the Health Insurance Marketplaces and delivery system reform, increasing federal financial assistance for Marketplace enrollees, introducing a public plan option in areas lacking individual market competition, and taking actions to reduce prescription drug costs. Although partisanship and special interest opposition remain, experience with the Affordable Care Act demonstrates that positive change is achievable on some of the nation’s most complex challenges.
Full article here.
