ScholarlyCommons

Title

Effects of the ACA on Health Care Cost Containment

Author(s)

Janet Weiner PhD, MPH, University of PennsylvaniaFollow
Clifford Marks, Univeristy of PennsylvaniaFollow
Mark Pauly PhD, University of PennsylvaniaFollow

Date of this Version

3-2-2017

Abstract

This brief reviews the evidence on how key ACA provisions have affected the growth of health care costs. Coverage expansions produced a predictable jump in health care spending, amidst a slowdown that began a decade ago. Although we have not returned to the double-digit increases of the past, the authors find little evidence that ACA cost containment provisions produced changes necessary to “bend the cost curve.” Cost control will likely play a prominent role in the next round of health reform and will be critical to sustaining coverage.

gains in the long term.

Document Type

Brief

Volume

21

Number

4

License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

Comments

LDI briefs are produced by LDI's policy team. For more information please contact Janet Weiner at weinerja@mail.med.upenn.edu.

Keywords

Affordable Care Act, ACA, cost containment, health care

View On LDI Website

https://ldi.upenn.edu/brief/effects-aca-health-care-cost-containment