Medicare Compliance & Reimbursement

In its third legal go-round, Obamacare triumphs again after the U.S. Supreme Court confirms the validity of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Details: On June 17, a cadre of 18 Republican-led states lost their challenge in court, claiming that the ACA was unconstitutional. The Court ruled that the ACA is still the lay of the land in a 7-2 majority decision, with Justice Stephen G. Breyer crafting the majority opinion. Since the ACA passed in 2012, there have been three challenges to the healthcare law, which ensures Americans’ rights to affordable health insurance.

“Tens of millions of Americans can no longer be discriminated against due to pre-existing conditions like cancer, asthma, or diabetes,” said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure in a release on the ruling. “Thanks to the ACA, millions of people have access to preventative health care at no cost, and Medicare prescription drug coverage was made more affordable by closing the gaps in coverage.”

HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra agrees. “Seniors and people with disabilities can breathe easy knowing their health protections will continue. Individuals who have faced discrimination can continue accessing care without fear. And people relying on Medicaid and Medicare should know these programs are stronger than ever,” he reiterated.

Reminder: The ACA impacts providers in a variety of ways from Medicare and Medicare Advantage payment changes to value-based and quality care mandates to compliance requirements.