Mid-term elections, tort reform, and other policy pressures may alter the way the Affordable Care Act delivers on the promise of health-care reform in the future, but the law will likely remain largely intact.
Chris Hennessey discusses several changes that some advocates are proposing.
- Letting the consumer decide what to buy. The law now requires that every insurance plan must have 10 essential benefits. However, not all consumers want to purchase that coverage. For example, some consumers may want to see a catastrophic coverage-only option.
- Expanding competition. If competition is expanded across state lines, consumers have more choice and costs may be reduced.
- Promoting health savings. The increased adoption of health savings accounts and tax credits could help individuals pay for health care.
The Obama Administration has made changes already since the law took effect. While more changes could take place, the law’s basic structure will probably remain intact.
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