Posted on June 28, 2012
Attributable to Scott Raynes
Chairman, Tennessee Hospital Association
CEO, NorthCrest Medical Center, Springfield, TN
June 28, 2012
Today, the United States Supreme Court announced its decision on the constitutionality of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). Though the opinion still is being fully interpreted, it appears the court upheld the validity of most of the key provisions of the ACA.
Though much work remains to be done on all fronts, the Tennessee Hospital Association believes the court’s action is an important step toward meaningful health reform. Such reform will help to preserve access to quality care for patients in Tennessee.
While Tennessee hospitals are making demonstrable strides in decreasing the cost of care through nationally recognized patient safety programs and aggressive efficiency measures, systemic change is imperative.
Last year, Tennessee’s hospitals provided $2.4 billion in uncompensated care as a result of the high number of people who are uninsured or under-insured. With basic health coverage for all in Tennessee, hospitals are in a better position to absorb the $4.3 billion in cuts that will be required of them under the ACA over a 10-year period.
Hospitals will continue to do their part to provide access to high-quality care for patients and communities they serve.
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