Many of the requirements of the Affordable Care Act have yet to be implemented, and depending on the political climate, they may never be enacted. In addition to the Supreme Court’s consideration of the act, Congress may also pose a threat to its continued existence. With the fall 2012 election on the horizon, the Democrats’ position in congress is precarious. With enough votes, Republicans may be able to repeal the act before many of its provisions come into effect.

Chernew admits that the Affordable Care Act requires a “considerable federal investment” and says that it is not clear that the country is willing to finance it.

“Although it’s certainly not clear that people have a better alternative,” Chernew says.

Aside from their individual research, Harvard professors have also been involved in ongoing discussions about implications of the Affordable Care Act. In March, the Harvard University Advanced Leadership Initiative, a public policy forum for experts overseen by Harvard professors, debated the potential consequences of the act for the healthcare market.

According to HSPH professor and former dean Barry R. Bloom, academics can offer a more nuanced and objective perspective on healthcare policy than politicians and mainstream media outlets. But Bloom stresses that individuals should educate themselves about the subtleties of the act.

“[With] the idiocy that goes on in the public debate...It wouldn’t hurt anyone to know something,” Bloom said.

—Staff writer Kerry M. Flynn can be reached at kflynn@college.harvard.edu.

—Staff writer Christopher M. Lehman can be reached at clehman@college.harvard.edu.