Health Care Reform: Promises and Pitfalls for Maternal and Child Health

In 2009 health care spending in the United States reached an all-time high of nearly $2.5 trillion, representing an almost two-fold increase in spending on a per capita basis since 1997 (NIHCM Foundation 2011). Policymakers continue to debate proposals at the federal and state levels to reign in health care spending, and there is ongoing uncertainty regarding the full ramifications of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) on spending and the affordability of health care itself. This article explores several challenges ahead for securing access to affordable health insurance and health care for women and children, shares examples of health plan efforts, and offers ideas for how grantmakers can contribute to promoting access and controlling health care costs.