Health Care Policy

Stethoscope on top of some papers

The Debate Over Health Care Reform

The Center for the Study of Politics and Governance (CSPG) convenes lawmakers and policy experts to wrestle with pressing issues in health care reform and our medical care system. In addition, Center Director Professor Lawrence Jacobs conducts research on public opinion and the drivers of health reform.

Research

The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, was passed in 2010. Its goal to expand coverage to low-income Americans depends on states deciding to expand their Medicaid programs in exchange for generous federal government funding. The states remain split over whether to adopt Medicaid expansion: To date, 37 states and the District of Columbia have expanded Medicaid and 13 states have not. This series of papers explains why some states have been reluctant to do so.

Americans overall disliked the ACA at the outset, but attitudes changed over time—including among those who were so hostile in 2010 that they favored repeal of the ACA. 

Health Care Reform Series

For generations, Minnesota has championed public-private solutions to challenges that affect our state’s health care system. This approach, praised nationally as the “Minnesota Model,” merges private sector innovation and public policy to make health care as efficient and effective as possible for the greatest number of people.

In the spirit of this strong tradition of collaboration, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and the Humphrey School's Center for the Study of Politics and Governance co-sponsored a series of public forums on how best to implement health care reform at the state level. By fostering discussions among local policy makers, stakeholders, and citizens, these conversations explored opportunities for ensuring Minnesota’s legacy as a leader in health and health care.