Healthcare reform 101

The intent of the Affordable Care Act is to ensure that all Americans have access to quality, affordable healthcare while significantly reducing the cost burden for this country. It is estimated that an additional 32 million individuals will be covered. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates this legislation will reduce the deficit by $143 billion in the first 10 years (2011-2020) with an additional $1.2 trillion in savings during the subsequent decade. comprehend and change. That is why it has taken so long to pass any legislation related to this issue. We are almost 50 years post-introduction of Medicare and Medicaid and while there has been much dialogue and a number of infamous attempts to tackle the issue, the ACA is the first successful attempt to pass legislation. History will tell if Congress and the President "got it right" but the alternative of doing nothing was also unacceptable. One might predict that some of what has been legislated and already implemented will stand and result in positive change (i.e. the focus on preventive health and wellness) while other aspects will require change - some minor and some major. We are already seeing changes and timelines that are being modified and delayed. This is a topic that will require an ongoing assessment and look-back to see what was done correctly and what needs to be changed.