How Do We Know if ACA Expansion Worked?
The Wall Street JournalMonday, June 9, 2025 at 7:52:00 PM
A recent study digging into the effects of Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) found no clear evidence that it improved mortality rates or physical health outcomes—despite the program’s goal of boosting healthcare access for low-income Americans. Researchers analyzed the best available data, and while expansion helped more people get coverage, it didn’t translate into measurable health benefits (at least not yet).
Editor’s Note: Medicaid expansion was a huge, expensive bet—so if it isn’t moving the needle on health outcomes, policymakers might need to ask why. Is it too soon to tell? Are people getting care but not the right care? Or is coverage alone not enough without better access to doctors, drugs, or preventive services? This isn’t the final word, but it’s a reality check for a polarizing policy.
— Curated via WP Now’s
