Politico interviewed Joel Ario, a managing director with Manatt Health Solutions, for an article on an Affordable Care Act waiver program that allows states to redesign their healthcare systems beginning in 2017.
The 1332 waiver program, which allows states to make changes to their programs once Obamacare coverage expansion has taken root, has had little effect in quelling political debate over the new healthcare law, Politico reports. Most states have yet to pursue drastic reform proposals, mainly due to a combination of a lack of guidance from the federal government as well as tough waiver program conditions, including one requirement that waivers not increase federal spending.
"Many of the things that people want to do cost money," said Ario.