The Continuing Debate on Health Insurance Reform

Abstract

This Policy Brief provides an overview of the 2010 Affordable Care Act and perspective on some of its key provisions affecting health insurance. Following a synopsis of the main problems that confront U.S. health care and insurance, it considers the extent to which the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will affect those problems, including the ACA’s minimum medical loss ratio and rate review requirements for health insurers. It discusses the economics of the individual mandate, implications of possible court rulings on the mandate’s constitutionality, and implementation of the ACA to date. It concludes with brief description of market-oriented alternatives to the ACA that will likely be considered if the Republicans win the 2012 presidential election, retain the House, and capture a sufficient majority in the Senate.