The Affordable Care Act as a National Experiment

This book examines the landmark 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) from the perspective of health policy research as translational science.  It delineates a new perspective about the creation and potential impact of the ACA and guides the development of health policy that is supported by best evidence that, in turn, transforms into practice, policy, and public benefit. Told by those involved in the creation and implementation of the ACA, the book reviews the history and impact of this ground-breaking legislation and recommends priorities, objectives, and next steps for translational research as the ACA is implemented.

The book includes coverage of these topics:

·         Objectives of the ACA

·         Analysis of data collected from healthcare reform programs in Vermont and Massachusetts to inform national implementation of the ACA

·         Engaging the public in, and building support for, ACA implementation

·         Interplay of federal, state, and local healthcare policy decisions arising from the enforcement of the ACA       

Featuring contributions from nationally renowned leaders in healthcare policy, this book adds to the public conversation about the ACA and its role in shaping health policy and contributes to a more realistic, nuanced, and productive understanding of this landmark legislation by physicians, policy makers, and the public. It also provides a framework for next steps in continuing to improve U.S. health policy.