Today's Supreme Court ruling on the Affordable Care Act will undoubtedly have long-term consequences for most Americans, including hepatologists. Whether the court rules on all or part of the law, or strikes down the entire act, the debate among physicians, patients and lawmakers is sure to continue through the November election and beyond.
The Affordable Care Act was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Barack Obama in March 2010. Twenty-six states have challenged the constitutionality of the law’s mandate for all U.S. citizens to purchase health insurance by 2014.
The historic decision will have multiple implications for patient health care coverage and physician compensation.
- Will insurance company power be curtailed with greater control returned to physicians?
- Can the government compel citizens to acquire health insurance? Or is it an overreach?
- Will health care access be expanded to millions of now-uninsured Americans?
- Will the court strike down the idea of health care exchanges for private insurance?
Beginning today, Healio.com will cover the most anticipated Supreme Court ruling in decades, including reaction from hepatology physician-member groups.