June 28, 2012
The US Supreme Court issued its ruling regarding the constitutionality of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) individual mandate. At 10 am Eastern, the high court announced its decision to uphold most of the law, including the individual mandate.
What this means:
It is possible that going forward, Congress may consider legislative proposals to repeal and later supplant current law. The administration is likely to move ahead with PPACA regulatory proposals and implementation as planned.
As we learn more about the impact of the Supreme Court decision, your Academy is prepared to be at the table for discussions to ensure that any movement toward further implementing the PPACA, or revising it in some way, takes into consideration the need for comprehensive definitions of rehabilitative and habilitative services that include access to affordable durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS); mobility equipment; and assistive devices that improve or maintain function and do not include arbitrary limits on access. Also, a definition of medical necessity that reflects accepted standards of medical practice and is clinically appropriate as to type, site, frequency, duration, and clinical effectiveness is vital. We will keep you posted as developments evolve.