1. What are the main objectives of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and how has it affected the access, quality and cost of health care in the US? Answer: The ACA aims to expand health insurance coverage, improve health care delivery and payment systems, and promote public health and prevention. It has increased the number of people with health insurance, especially among low-income and minority groups, improved the quality of care by implementing quality measures and incentives, and reduced the growth of health care spending by introducing cost-containment strategies and reforms. 2. What are some of the current challenges and opportunities for health care policy in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic? Answer: The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the weaknesses and gaps in the health care system, such as lack of preparedness, coordination, equity and resilience. It has also highlighted the importance of public health, primary care, telehealth and social determinants of health. Some of the policy challenges include ensuring adequate funding, staffing and supplies for health care providers, expanding testing, tracing and vaccination programs, addressing health disparities and social needs, and balancing public health measures and economic recovery. Some of the policy opportunities include strengthening the public health infrastructure, enhancing collaboration and innovation across sectors, promoting digital transformation and data sharing, and advancing health equity and justice. 3. What are some of the key features and benefits of value-based care (VBC) and how is it different from fee-for-service (FFS) payment models? Answer: VBC is a payment model that rewards health care providers for delivering high-quality, efficient and patient-centered care, rather than for the volume of services provided. VBC aligns the incentives of providers, payers and patients to improve health outcomes and reduce costs. Some of the benefits of VBC include improved quality and safety, enhanced patient satisfaction and engagement, reduced waste and variation, increased coordination and integration, and fostered innovation and learning. 4. What are some of the major types and examples of alternative payment models (APMs) that are being implemented or tested in the US health care system? Answer: APMs are payment arrangements that deviate from the traditional FFS model and incorporate elements of VBC. Some of the major types of APMs include bundled payments, shared savings, shared risk, capitation and global budget. Some of the examples of APMs are accountable care organizations (ACOs), patient-centered medical homes (PCMHs), episode-based payment initiatives, primary care first (PCF) model, comprehensive primary care plus (CPC+) model, oncology care model (OCM), comprehensive end-stage renal disease (ESRD) care model, etc.