ObamaCare critics say the program’s own studies prove its faults

Health and Human Services recently released results from the first two years of the Accountable Care Organization's experience under the Affordable Care Act (ACO). The data arrived with little media fanfare, but critics say that the results show that ObamaCare isn't reducing U.S. healthcare spending.

ACO's project originally had 32 experienced health systems that already made progress toward the ACO model, making them ideal for the study. Thirteen of them have since dropped out because they spent more money with ObamaCare, with 14 citing increased spending altogether in year one and six more on top of the remaining 23 in year two. Only 13 health systems qualified for a bonus in year one and 11 in year two. Overall, per capita spending was just 0.45 percent lower than the usual fees for service Medicare.

After counting in the $64 million in startup costs for the health systems against the only $18 million saved for taxpayers in year one and $43 million in year two, some say that the data appears to show an overall loss. And they say that these pioneer healthcare systems are some of the largest and most prepared for change. Apparently the smaller healthcare systems that need the most help haven't even been accounted for yet.

Opponents say they are particularly distressed that health systems do not always know the patients who belong to their organizations. Reportedly, this means they can't see how they are doing in real time or whether they are achieving any standards mandated by ObamaCare.

Biography: Marvin Bonham

Marvin Bonham has been a Bay Area leader in medical services for almost two decades, both as an industry leader as well as a doctor and trainer of tomorrow's medical leaders.

Starting his career soon after graduating from medical school at Rice University, Bonham established himself at Stanford before starting his own medical services business, supplying assistance to over 1,000 medical provider offices in the greater San Jose region.

The experience Bonham brings to his work has been key in leadership training programs. He’s taught candidates how to deal with management issues, planning, strategy development and finding innovative solutions to challenges.

But it’s not all work for Bonham. An avid traveler, he tours the world to find adventure—whether that’s whitewater rafting in Costa Rica or exploring the Amazon River. And he also finds time to help his community, particularly with organizations that organizations that help the environment or advance the art world. He’s also spent several years volunteering with Prevent Blindness Northern California.

When he’s home, Bonham enjoys working in his backyard wine grapes and playing with his dog, a Giant Schnauzer named Jake.