A series of brief reports funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation explores the effects that PPACA will likely have on consumers, state governments, the economy and health care costs. In the reports released today, Urban Institute researchers look at how the economy and employment, the deficit, and businesses will be affected.

This report maps out a timeline for states to use as a resource for identifying major implementation decisions. The timeline provides policymakers with materials needed to effectively and strategically plan for the development of Health Benefit Exchanges under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).

This report organizes the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) into understandable policy directions to help state policy leaders understand and prepare for the implementation process. State-related decisions and actions are classified into several broad themes—each with highlights and directions on how states may best use the many new tools and resources PPACA provides to accomplish long-standing health policy goals.

Providing evidence of the possible gains under national health reform, Massachusetts’ 2006 health reform initiative has improved health care access, use, affordability and quality.

According to a new brief released by the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS), reformed Medicaid payment policies may be the most significant tool available to states to contain costs and improve quality.