The Affordable Care Act: What Happens Now?

Health care reform has been an issue across the political spectrum dating back to the early 1900s; Presidents from both parties have led the charge to enact reforms reshaping health care delivery and payment systems, none arguably more so than the passage of President Obama’s Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (the “ACA”). Seven years later, the balance of power has drastically shifted to the Republican party, which now controls the Presidency and both chambers of Congress. Now the ACA faces an uncertain future.

Republican legislators who voted more than 60 times to repeal the ACA now find themselves with the opportunity to do precisely that. However, the practical realities of repealing a law that has created a benefit structure for over 20 million citizens is proving difficult when there is a decent chance it might actually occur. While the future of the repeal effort is in flux, there are significant shifts in governing priorities and philosophies that will shape any changes to the ACA.

Douglas Grimm and Hillary Stemple of Arent Fox will review the history of health care reform in the U.S., the legislative and policy goals of the ACA, the various plans to replace or amend the ACA, and the provisions of the ACA that are likely to remain in effect—regardless of whether a portion of the law is repealed.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Understand a basic history of health care reform in the United States
2. Understand the policy decisions that shaped the drafting and implementation of the ACA
3. Assess how Republican and Democratic philosophies on health care reform differ and how this may impact future legislation
4. Provide practical guidance regarding the ACA provisions that are likely to remain in effect, regardless of repeal or a shift in legislative and regulatory philosophy