State Politics and the Affordable Care Act

To truly understand policy change in the American context, we must look to the states. This book adds to our understanding of the importance of economic, historic, political, and social context in shaping policy development and implementation. Morris, Mayer, Kenter, and Lucero's careful look at the experiences of four diverse states sheds light on ACA's turbulent and dynamic history. The lessons drawn here are important to the study of health policy, and provide new insights on the character of the American intergovernmental system. - Christopher Plein, Eberly Family Professor for Outstanding Public Service, West Virginia University At a time when health care is at the forefront of political discussion, State Politics and the Affordable Care Act: Choices and Decisions is a welcome addition that broadens our knowledge of this contentious debate. With this book, Morris, Mayer, Kenter, and Lucero provide foundational knowledge of health care reform and policy in the United States from the early 1900's through the signing and implementation of the 2010 Affordable Care Act. This work fills a vital gap in the current body of literature by providing detailed examples of states' support of, and opposition to, implementation of this policy. I am certain this book will become a must-read for those interested in health care policy and the political and societal tensions surrounding this topic. - Katrina Miller-Stevens, Colorado College This book examines the reasons behind the differences in states' policy decisions about implementing the ACA within the U.S. federalism framework. By focusing on four states, Morris and his colleagues are able to dig deeply into underlying political, economic, and socio-cultural differences that have affected often-surprisingly different policy approaches. The result is a fascinating examination of state policy-making that will capture the interest of many beyond students of healthcare and the ACA. - J. Steven Ott, University of Utah