This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
Cardiology community reacts to ACA decision
In a joint statement, the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association and National Multiple Sclerosis Society issued a favorable response to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling upholding health care subsidies under the Affordable Care Act in states without exchanges.
The 6-3 ruling for King v. Burwell on June 25 stipulated that the Internal Revenue Service may extend tax credits and premium subsidies for consumers who purchase health insurance through state or federal exchanges under the ACA. The ACA was passed by Congress and signed into law in 2010. The court began hearing oral arguments for King v. Burwell in early March.
“We commend the Court for not halting premium tax credits in the federal marketplaces, enabling an estimated 6.4 million people in 34 states to keep the assistance that makes their health insurance affordable,” AHA CEO Nancy Brown, stated in the release. “As a result, these patients can continue to focus on their healing and recovery, instead of worrying about losing their coverage and care. Now that the Affordable Care Act has survived two major Supreme Court challenges, it’s time for our nation to concentrate on improving the law and enrolling as many uninsured Americans as possible so everyone can receive the quality health and preventive care they need.”
Cardiology Today reached out to experts in the field for their thoughts on the Supreme Court ruling. See below for their responses.
Perspective
Back to Top
Optimizing health for individuals and populations requires access to quality healthcare. The U.S. Supreme Court has, by its decision in King v. Burwell, reaffirmed the ability for millions of Americans to obtain that care. As physicians, we strive every day to meet the needs of our patients and to exceed their expectations. Supporting their ability to access our services in a timely manner that does not place them in a position of severe financial hardship will strengthen the overall health care system. It will improve their quality of life and life expectancy. Ultimately, this decision will stem the unacceptable rise in health care costs for our nation as we focus on preventive care. Access for all patients will promote optimization of chronic care — one of the most costly parts of our health care expenditures.
The Court is to be applauded on upholding the ability of all Americans to access the highest quality of care available anywhere in the world. Our job as health care providers (along with health care administrators) is to ensure that the care we provide is appropriate, of the highest clinical standards, is patient specific and cost-effective.
Perspective
Back to Top
The Supreme Court’s ruling helps maintain critical health care access for millions of Americans who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford it. As health care continues to evolve, we must work to improve quality, reduce costs and make health care more affordable for not only individuals, but for society as a whole.