Nudge Theory – ACA (Introduction)

Affordable Care Act (ACA) guidelines have been vague from the start. I have wondered whether this was deliberate or not… whether or not we are all participating in a “nudge theory” exercise.

Intended or not, it feels like it. For those unfamiliar with “nudge theory” (attributed to Professor Richard Thaler), the theory postulates that non-forced compliance can be achieved “at least as effectively, if not more effectively – than direct instruction, legislation, or enforcement.” ¹

Premise: In order to solve complex social problems– create incentives, and don’t create basic details (e.g. don’t mandate data standards to ensure interoperability); people will figure out what to do.

For those wanting a great example of solving complex social problems using “nudge theory”—take a look at the Jonas Eliasson: How to solve traffic jams² video on TED. So far, ACA seems like were building roadways and letting accidents determine where traffic lights should be.

This four-part blog will explore “nudge theory” over time, as it relates to implementation of the Affordable Care Act and implications to players in areas of state exchanges, meaningful use, and patient engagement.

I look forward to hearing observations from others.

Sources
¹ – Nudge theory – Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nudge_theory
² – Jonas Eliasson: How to solve traffic jams – TED Talks
http://www.ted.com/talks/jonas_eliasson_how_to_solve_traffic_jams.html
³ – Key Features of Affordable Care Act, By Year
http://www.healthcare.gov/law/timeline/full.html

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