Implications of the Affordable Care Act on Surgery and Cancer Care

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act increased health insurance coverage to millions in the United States, transformed both the private and public insurance markets, and invested in care delivery changes in an attempt to increase the quality and value of health care. How these changes have translated to improved long-term oncologic outcomes, including for survivorship, remains to be seen. Newer models of payment and care delivery attempt to improve both short-term and long-term quality while better controlling cost trends. The extent to which cancer care delivery will be affected also needs further study and optimization.