Published by: Shawn Gremminger on 1/20/2011 9:23:11 AM
Just moments ago, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 2, the unsubtly named “Repealing the Job Killing Health Law Act” on a largely party line vote (3 Democrats voted "yes" on repeal and zero Republicans voted "no"). While the vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA), enacted last year, has made headlines around the country, it is quite plainly an exercise in political theater. H.R. 2 has had its moment of glory, but will go no further. The US Senate, which remains under Democratic Party control, will not even take up the measure. The real work is now just beginning.
Starting as early as next week, House committees of jurisdiction over health care issues will begin to hold oversight hearings on health care reform and will swiftly move to mark up legislation to change the Affordable Care Act. Some of that legislation may actually see action in the Senate. While NAPH supported the ACA last year, and stands by the law, we’re hopeful that safety net hospitals can find critical points of agreement with House Republicans as they move legislation through the legislative process.
While the ACA includes a substantial expansion in the Medicaid program, it does not make many substantive changes to the program. We hope to work with members from both parties to address some of Medicaid’s deficiencies. In particular, Medicaid’s abysmally low provider payment leads to problems with access. Likewise, Medicaid patients’ care is often fragmented and poorly coordinated. Equally importantly, Medicaid’s costs – like those of Medicare and private insurance – are unsustainable. The key is finding ways to reduce the overall cost of care, not just shift costs from the Federal Government onto states, providers or patients, none of whom can afford it.
As leaders in providing high quality, primary to quaternary care for uninsured patients and those covered by Medicaid, NAPH is ready to work with Congress to find solutions to these problems and ensure the success of Medicaid in the long run. Now that the political theater is over, let’s get to work.