The Affordable Care Act (ACA) set out to expand affordable coverage options in the United States. Four years since the law was in full effect, researchers are beginning to assess its impact on access to services and health outcomes. At the same time, the current administration and Congress are working to unwind some of the law\u2019s key provisions.<\/p>\n
In CHIRblog\u2019s February installment of What We\u2019re Reading<\/em>, I dig into new research that highlights the consequences of the recent short-term limited-duration health plan rule, the effects of expanded private insurance on access to primary and specialty care, the impact of the ACA\u2019s dependent coverage provision on birth and prenatal outcomes, and an assessment of state-level efforts to expand access, affordability, and quality of coverage.<\/p>\n Blumberg, L. et al. The Potential Impact of Short-Term Limited-Duration Policies on Insurance Coverage, Premiums, and Federal Spending<\/a>.<\/em> Urban Institute; Feb. 26, 2018. This brief assesses the consequences of the Trump Administration\u2019s recent proposed rule<\/a> to relax limits on short-term limited-duration (STLD) health policies. It examines the proposed rule\u2019s impact in combination with the repeal of the ACA\u2019s individual mandate penalty, slated to take effect in 2019. Urban projects enrollment and premium changes nationally as well as in each state.<\/p>\n What it Finds<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Why it Matters<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n The Administration\u2019s proposed short-term plan rule is just that \u2013 proposed. Its authors admit that they don\u2019t have sufficient data to fully gauge the impact of the policy change. The Urban Institute study should give them pause, given the serious adverse consequences they project. Additionally, states have broad authority to regulate short-term plans, but most currently have very limited<\/a> standards and oversight. The Urban study, which includes impact analyses at the state level, can arm state policymakers with data to better inform future regulation of these policies.<\/p>\n Daw, J. et al. Association of the Affordable Care Act Dependent Coverage Provision With Prenatal Care Use and Birth Outcomes<\/a>. <\/em>JAMA; Feb. 13, 2018. This study looks at the effects of the ACA\u2019s provision requiring plans to cover young adults up to age 26 on access to labor and delivery services and prenatal care, as well as birth outcomes.<\/p>\n What it Finds<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Why it Matters <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Four years in, researchers are beginning to quantify the effects of the ACA\u2019s coverage expansions on access to services and health outcomes. This study suggests that due to the requirement that plans cover young adults up to age 26, women who previously would have to self-pay for maternity services or go without prenatal care are better able to obtain such care. Further, the study provides early signs that improving access also can improve health outcomes.<\/p>\n\n
\n