Supreme Court upholds ACA

Posted On: 07/04/2012

The U.S. Supreme Court last Thursday, June 28, ruled the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act's individual mandate and Medicaid expansion constitutional, but struck down a provision that allowed Congress to take all Medicaid funds from a state that refuses to participate in the Medicaid expansion. States that participate in the Medicaid expansion would receive the federal financial support included in the ACA. The 5-4 decision allows the individual mandate as a tax under Congress’ taxing power, and means the hundreds of other provisions in the statute also stand.

Craig Jones, OHA president, issued the following statement to the media:

"Today’s Supreme Court decision to uphold the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is a major step toward achieving health care coverage for all Americans, a goal the Oklahoma Hospital Association has long supported. But we know the real work toward reforming health care is only beginning. Oklahoma hospitals are committed to moving forward in transforming the delivery of health care through greater efficiency, quality, patient safety, and innovative models of care.   

"It remains to be seen how Oklahoma lawmakers will respond to this decision in relation to provisions in the law that clearly can help address the longstanding need to improve Oklahoma’s ‘state of health.’  Oklahoma hospitals will continue to work closely with policy makers, on both the state and federal levels, as efforts continue to improve the law and bring about real reform and strengthen coverage for all."