"Most hospitals, health systems, and other provider organizations in the U.S. are still facing financial peril from continuing cuts in Medicare, new federal legislation, and a precarious economic environment. The second edition of this book updates analysis, forecasts, and recommendations made by the author. The book discusses the evolution of the Affordable Care Act, related regulatory trends, and changes in the roles and the business models of third-party health insurers. It also includes an expanded focus on the relative strengths and weaknesses of different business models for organizing the delivery of care, Case studies are included"--Provided by publisher.