Synopsis
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is the most far-reaching legislation of this generation. Yet, every section of its 2,000 double-spaced pages is designed to answer a single question: “How do we create a health care system that includes every citizen and improves health outcomes while controlling costs?” Understand this complex law—including those aspects that have not been adequately covered by the media and hence are not widely known--and see how you are personally affected. Equally important, learn about creating public policy that serves the common good. See how the ACA reforms build on the existing components of our health care system, fill in the gaps, and provide for continuous improvement. Learn how the new law is taking hold and transforming the entire system of health care in America for the better. Yes, we are expanding coverage, saving lives, and controlling costs. The ACA is working! Learn about the health care systems of other countries. Look at the moral issues embedded in this debate. Understand glitches and shortcomings. Examine the Republican response and alternative. After decades of political struggle, America now has a working plan to manage our health care system—the Affordable Care Act. But an informed and vigilant citizenry is essential to track implementation, support strategic adjustments when needed, and prevent the law from being co-opted by special interests.
About the Author
Robert L. McCan studied for the Protestant ministry at Yale. After five years he continued academic study in ethics at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland and later did post-doctoral research at Harvard. As a student of ethics he sought the "abundant life" for individuals and the "common good" for society. He decided to spend his professional career challenging unjust societal attitudes and unfair public policy, both of which significantly impact fairness to individuals. He sought to combine religious compassion and civil justice. After serving three Baptist churches for 13 years, Dr. McCan spent much of his career in higher education and government service. He held Executive Appointments in four federal agencies, all with public policy components: The U. S. Office of Economic Opportunity, the U.S. Office of Education, the Agency for International Development, and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars as Deputy to the Director, where he dealt daily with public policy at the highest level. Dr. McCan spent his last years before retirement as Associate Professor of Political Ethics at Wesley Theological Seminary where he directed the program known as "Washington Semester for Seminarians" in which theology students from 23 seminaries spent a semester doing first-hand study of the political process from an ethical perspective. At the same time he was employed by The Churches' Center for Theology and Public Policy, a think-tank supported by Protestant denominations and Catholic Bishops, to provide guidance for them on public policy issues. He was also a consultant to the U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress. Finally, he served for several years as part of a small group of Washington advisors on public policy issues to the Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church. Bob McCan lives with his wife Peggy in Falls Church Virginia. He is active in the Episcopal Church and in the political process. His recent books include Justice for Gays and Lesbians and the first edition of Citizens Guide to Health Care Reform.
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