Implementing the Affordable Care Act: Organizational and Political Challenges

The Affordable Care Act is the single biggest domestic policy accomplishment of the Obama administration, but most Americans have yet to feel its impact, since many of the most far-reaching provisions do not take effect until 2014. Although the Supreme Court upheld the law, it continues to face political opposition and attempts to slow down its full implementation.

On May 20, the Management and Leadership Initiative at Brookings hosted a forum on the organizational challenges of implementing the Affordable Care Act in a difficult political environment. A panel of experts discussed obstacles such as building the state exchanges, expanding Medicaid, the role of the IRS, enforcing the individual mandate, the reaction from the small business community and the effect on premium prices.