Health reform: Actually pretty good, now what else to do about social justice

The new health reform law closely tracks the provisions and priorities the Obama Administration established in late 2008. The Administration has aggressively implemented provisions of the law that are consumer-friendly and aim to restrain the abuses of the insurance industry. While progressives were part of the population-wide movements that helped propel the passage of the legislation, winning notable gains in affordability, there were losses in areas that the Administration had consistently signaled were negotiable: the public option, abortion rights, and coverage for immigrants. The passage of the law, and incremental improvements in coverage, quality and affordability of health care, were important milestones in establishing the material basis for social and economic equality. It was remarkable particularly in the context of the global economic crisis and the influence of corporate power. However it is clear that the law is a partial step. The question is whether and how it can facilitate further advancing population health and achieving social justice.