Supreme Court Rules on Affordable Care Act

A recent momentous Supreme Court ruling upheld the constitutionality and basic provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, affirming its mandate but complicating the federal government’s plan to extend Medicaid coverage to the poorest Americans. As a result of the Court’s 5 to 4 decision, nearly all Americans will be required to obtain health insurance or pay a penalty.

“The Affordable Care Act’s requirement that certain individuals pay a financial penalty for not obtaining health insurance may reasonably be characterized as a tax,” Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in the majority opinion. “Because the Constitution permits such a tax, it is not our role to forbid it, or to pass upon its wisdom or fairness.”

The ruling has broad implications for the delivery of vision care, at both the federal and state levels. The federal government requires states to organize health care exchanges that will offer consumers a choice of health plans. Beginning in 2014, the exchanges will serve primarily individuals buying insurance on their own and small businesses with up to 100 employees, though states can choose to include larger employers in the future. It has yet to be determined how health care organizations will incorporate vision care plans, including standalone plans, into those exchanges, as VMail has reported.