Affordable Care Act (ACA): U.S. Supreme Court Decision

Author: United Spinal Association
Published: 2012/06/28 - Updated: 2025/02/02
Publication Type: Announcement
Category Topic: U.S. Medicare System - Academic Publications

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: This information offers an exploration of Medicare enrollment, coverage options, and decision-making strategies tailored to individuals with disabilities, seniors, and others navigating complex healthcare choices. It clarifies critical topics such as eligibility criteria, enrollment periods, plan comparisons (e.g., Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare), and supplemental coverage like Part D or Medigap policies. The resource emphasizes practical guidance for optimizing benefits, avoiding penalties, and addressing unique needs, such as accessing durable medical equipment or home health services. By demystifying intricate regulations and highlighting protections for those with chronic conditions or disabilities, the article helps readers to make informed, personalized decisions that align with their health and financial priorities - Disabled World (DW).

Introduction

United Spinal Association applauds the Supreme Court ruling affirming the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act. The ruling ensures Americans that the access to and affordability of health care coverage is the law of the land.

Main Content

"To say that the Supreme Court's decision is monumental for the disability community would be an enormous understatement. It brings peace of mind to 22 million families who have loved ones living with significant disabilities and millions with chronic diseases," said Paul J. Tobin, United Spinal's President and CEO.

"Much of the law will be implemented in 2014 and United Spinal Association will remain vigilant in its effort to ensure that the law's implementation fulfills its tremendous promise to promote healthcare as a right and not merely a privilege in the United States," he added.

Specifically, the decision upheld the "individual mandate" requiring all who are capable of purchasing insurance to do so to enable the health care system to spread risk and keep costs down.

It also upheld the requirement that states expand their Medicaid eligibility to reduce by 33 million the number of low-income individuals who are now completely uninsured and whose care is paid for in higher premiums and costs incurred by those with coverage.

With these two major components of the law remaining intact, the remainder of the legislation is not placed in jeopardy of collapsing and maintains key provisions that ensure that:

• Millions of uninsured people will gain health care coverage.
• Children can remain on their parents' health plans until they turn 26 years of age.
• Women cannot continue to be discriminated against in the pricing of their health insurance premiums.
• Moderate - and middle - income families will receive tax-credit subsidies so that insurance premiums are affordable.
• States are incentivized to advance home and community-based services and supports and reduce institutionalization for Medicaid long-term care coverage.
• No one will be denied health coverage or charged a discriminatory premium due to a pre-existing condition, such as spinal cord injuries and disorders or chronic illnesses such as diabetes.
• Seniors and people with disabilities will have access to affordable prescription drugs under Medicare and see both the Part D doughnut hole gap in coverage be phased out and enjoy free access to preventive services like colonoscopies and mammograms.

The law also provides deficit savings of more than $1 trillion over the next two decades and does so by promoting improved quality, continuity and coordination of care and fostering innovation in the financing and delivery of services and supports.

Attribution/Source(s): This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by United Spinal Association and published on 2012/06/28, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity.