An uncertain future for healthcare reform

Following the change of majority in the House of Representatives on November 2, Republicans are looking to stall healthcare reform. Promises were made to the American public and, consequently, The Affordable Care Act may be going under the surgeon’s knife.

The soon-to-be House leaders intend to fight this legislation and challenge the Democrats’ allegiance to its contentious policy. The GOP’s first maneuver will be to affect the law by cutting the money that was earmarked for the Internal Revenue Service, which would limit its ability to enforce provisions requiring people to have health insurance with the assistance of employer contributions, according to this New York Times article. On another front, the GOP majority will try to limit access to government-subsidized private health plans that include abortion in their coverage.

In other health reform news, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has joined in support of a multistate lawsuit arguing that Congress does not have the legal right to mandate that Americans purchase healthcare policies. If, however, the court upholds this challenge, McConnell suggests that it leaves the door wide open for Congress to exercise unlimited power to intrude on the rights of American citizens. McConnell plans to file a friend-of-the-court brief detailing his argument, which was obtained earlier this week by POLITICO. Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) has also signed on in support of the 20-state lawsuit.

Sandra Hoban

Sandra Hoban was on I Advance Senior Care / Long-Term Living’s editorial staff for 17 years. She is one of the country’s longest-serving senior care journalists. Before joining Long-Term Living, she was a member of the promotions department at Advanstar Communications. In addition to her editorial experience, Sandi has served past roles in print and broadcast advertising as a traffic and talent coordinator.