Urban researchers propose eight incremental reforms that would expand upon the Affordable Care Act (ACA). These policy changes would increase insurance coverage, improve affordability, and contain health care costs.
Federal spending on individuals dually enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid would increase by $41 billion over the next decade under the Delivering Unified Access to Lifesaving Services (DUALS) Act of 2024.
To close access gaps, policies can expand affordable, person-centered care options that align with people’s preferences and symptom severity, especially for younger adults with Medicaid.
Hospital and professional health care service prices negotiated with commercial payers vary significantly within and across states. High health system concentration is positively associated with higher hospital prices, whereas insurer concentration is negatively associated with prices.
Provisions in the bill and expiration of enhanced PTCs could cause rural hospitals to lose $87 billion in revenue and face $23 billion in additional demand for uncompensated care between 2025 and 2034.
