If ACA is Overturned

Needless to say, no matter what happens, a firestorm will result from either side of the aisle--Democrat or Republican--if the Affordable Care Act is overturned.   Everyone from politicians to insurers to providers are preparing for the "what happens if" scenario.  For Congress and the President, it is back to the drawing board.  For others, like insurers and providers, many of the provisions created under the Affordable Care Act will continue.  Hospitals and physicians will continue to work with insurers, policymakers, regulators and each other to do what's right for patients and to build upon many of those reforms already in place. 

A focus on the inability to financially sustain the cost of health care will continue with greater emphasis on the value of the care over the volume of tests, procedures and admissions.  Providers and regulators will continue to focus on quality and patient safety initiatives as well as linking quality with payment reform.  The triple aim of health care reform (better quality, reduced cost and enhanced population health) will also continue to be the focus of all of those groups previously mentioned in today's blog.  States would also individually enact stand-alone legislation on some of aspects of the Act.  Fortunately, Maryland will continue to make changes and build upon those components of reform already in place. 

So far, I am shocked that the Supreme Court's ruling hasn't been leaked to the media, especially in DC where un-named sources run rampant.  Actually, that gives me a good feeling about the integrity of the Court.