Virginia Leaders React to Supreme Court Ruling on Affordable Care Act
High Court ruled 5-4 today to uphold what some call 'Obamacare.'
By Mary Ann Barton
June 28, 2012
http://herndon.patch.com/articles/virginia-leaders-react-to-supreme-court-ruling-on-affordable-care-act

Area leaders were quick to react today to the news that the Supreme Court upheld President Barack Obama's health reform law.

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell (R): "Today's Supreme Court ruling is extremely disappointing for Virginia and for America. The PPACA will create a costly and cumbersome system that will impair our country's ability to recover from these challenging economic times, infringes on our citizen's liberties, will harm small businesses, and will impose dramatic unfunded mandates on Virginia and all states. Simply put, this is a blow to freedom. America needs market-based solutions that give patients more choice, not less." (For the governor's full statement, visit his Web site.)

On his Twitter feed, the governor wrote: "Simply put, this is a blow to freedom."

Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille (D): "This is a huge victory for the 30 million Americans who are uninsured and for the president. This will help them to move forward, to get insurance, especially the elderly. It demonstrates that this important piece of legislation was long overdue. It puts the United States on a level playing field with other countries."

Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-11th): "Obviously this is a historic day; it’s a victory for anybody with a preexisting condition; it’s a victory for people who suffer a catastrophic accident who won’t be limited to an annual cap. It's a victory for families whose children can stay on their policies until they're 26...it's also a victory for consumers because going forth, this health care act will help bring down the cost curve of health care....I believe we will be seeing 10 to 15 years from now, a transformative moment where we finally got our arms around health care in a meaningful way and widened accessibility. I am proud of the fact I voted for this reform bill."

Congressman James P. "Jim" Moran (D-8th): “Today the Supreme Court reaffirmed what Democrats and President Obama have known for two years; the Affordable Care Act stands on firm constitutional grounds. People across the country are already benefiting from reforms in the Affordable Care Act, including 6.6 million young people who can stay on their parents’ insurance, 105 million Americans who no longer have a lifetime limit on their coverage, and 5.3 million seniors in the ‘donut hole’ who have saved $3.7 billion on their prescription drugs." (For Moran's full statement, go here.)

Del. Scott Surovell (D-44th): "The President's health insurance reform legislation was a landmark effort to reform a dysfunctional healthcare system that has made health insurance unavailable to millions of Virginians, thousands of my constituents, and hurting the bottom line of Virginia's businesses who want to provide meaningful benefits to their employees. I'm pleased that the Supreme Court affirmed President Obama and Congress' effort to solve a very difficult problem."

George Allen, former governor, former U.S. senator and current Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate: “While disappointed in the Supreme Court’s decision on President Obama’s health care law, I believe it reinforces what is truly at stake during this pivotal election. This November the American people have an opportunity to choose new leadership in Washington who will listen to their voices and repeal this costly, harmful government health care law." (For more of Allen's statement, visit his Web site here.)

Tim Kaine, former governor, current Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate: “The Affordable Care Act is an important first step in curbing discriminatory insurance company practices and increasing access to health care, but more needs to be done to bring down costs. Our government, businesses, and citizens cannot continue to spend more than any other nation on health care while getting second-rate results. As Senator, I am committed to working with all stakeholders to find additional improvements to the Affordable Care Act that give all Americans affordable access to high quality services." (For more of Kaine's statement, visit his Web site here.)

Pat Mullins, chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia: "Today's decision is extremely disappointing, but it is not the end of the story. The American people will have the final say on ObamaCare this November at the ballot box. And in January, I look forward to standing with President Mitt Romney, Majority Leader Eric Cantor and newly sworn-in Senator George Allen as this law is repealed and replaced with common-sense, market based reform."

Fairfax County Democratic Committee: "In an historic decision today, the Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act, a comprehensive law providing all Americans with a most basic need – affordable, quality healthcare. Millions who were denied coverage in the past are today reassured that they and their loved ones can obtain the care they need despite a pre-existing condition, a life threatening illness or injury they couldn’t otherwise afford.

"We commend the Supreme Court for rising above partisan argument and making a finding under the rule of law,” commented Cesar del Aguila, chair of the Fairfax Democrats. “This Act gives the American people the security of knowing that they have access to affordable, quality care that they might not otherwise have."

Inova Health System: "Inova Health System has been an active participant in the Commonwealth of Virginia’s efforts to go beyond federal health reform and thoroughly examine the health care system as a whole to meet the present and future needs of the communities we serve.

"By actively engaging stakeholders in the various discussions led by the Commonwealth, as well as serving on health reform task forces such as the Virginia Health Reform Initiative, Inova is committed to participating in the Commonwealth’s efforts to improve the delivery of affordable health care coverage to more Virginia residents. As the implications of the Court’s decision are evaluated in the coming days and weeks, we look forward to continuing those efforts with Secretary Hazel and Virginia’s key health care stakeholders to drive the future of health.

"We share the belief that improving quality and value are integral components to ultimately bending the health care cost curve and most importantly, improving the health of our communities."
Attachments:

Bulova: Fairfax County 'Poised to Move Forward' on Affordable Care Act
County is working with health service providers to make it happen.
By Mary Ann Barton
June 29, 2012
http://fallschurch.patch.com/articles/bulova-fairfax-county-poised-to-move-forward-on-affordable-care-act

Sharon Bulova, chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, said Thursday she was personally "pleasantly surprised" by the Supreme Court's decision to uphold the Affordable Health Care Act.

"Now that there is some clarity as to what in the act actually is now going to be law, and is going to be implemented, we may move forward now," she said. "Fairfax County stands ready to make that happen."

"We are poised to move forward with what we know now is going to be implemented in Fairfax County," she said.

Bulova: Turned down for healthcare coverage

Bulova said personal experience has made her a big believer in affordable healthcare for all.

"When I was a young mother in my late 20s, I worked for a small private company and was covered by a healthcare plan offered there," she said. "Six months later, my company decided to change providers. My boss called me into his office and said the new provider refused to cover me," because of a benign lump found earlier in a routine screening.

"I had this blemish on my medical record, and they would not cover me," she said. "The rest of the office was covered and my boss said 'I hope you can find other coverage, Sharon.' It's always made me a believer in universal medical coverage."

Harrison: State of healthcare reform in Fairfax County

How will Thursday's ruling affect the county? The following information about the state of healthcare coverage in the county was provided by Patricia Harrison, deputy county executive, who established a Health Care Reform Implementation Task Force in 2010:

•An estimated 144,000 county residents currently have no health insurance; private insurance health exchange market will help low income Fairfax residents to obtain insurance.
•There are nearly 40,000 working low-income individuals residing in Fairfax County, many working in small businesses, who will benefit from participation in the health exchanges created through the Act.
Small businesses receive tax credits and incentives to participate in offering health insurance plans to employees. Low-income employees receive financial subsidies to enroll. The county is working with health service partners in the Northern Virginia region to leverage existing primary care, behavioral, dental and pharmacy services to provide access for people participating in the state health exchange that will be implemented as a result of the Act.

Prevention and Wellness Funds will support healthy community goals

The Affordable Care Act funds prevention initiatives to support wellness strategies in communities. Fairfax County received nearly $2.5 million in funding to support efforts to build a healthier community—implementing policies and physical environments that prevent chronic disease by enabling healthy eating, active living and access to quality clinical preventive services. Other grant and discretionary prevention funds will be available through the Act to further prevention goals for the community.

Outreach to persons needing help to obtain health care

The county will continue to work in partnership with local hospitals, free clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers, the Fairfax Medical and Dental societies, pharmacies and pharmacists, nonprofits, social services agencies, the state and other local governments to strengthen our local “health safety net” to help low income individuals, seniors and persons with disabilities who may have difficulty in finding affordable, comprehensive and quality health care.

If the Commonwealth of Virginia participates in the Medicaid expansion, more Northern Virginians—single working low income adults without insurance—will be able to access health care.

Depending on the extent of Virginia’s expansion of Medicaid, many more individuals currently not eligible under existing state Medicaid rules will now be eligible to apply for and participate in Medicaid funded services. This may assist an estimated 30,000 single adults of working age, funded through federal dollars. This possibly will reduce the local tax burden and charity care services offered today to these individuals who currently can’t afford to buy insurance.

In the early years, federal funds are committed to fund the expansion. The county emphasizes that further evaluation of the local impact of Virginia’s Medicaid expansion will be needed once expansion and eligibility rules are determined.

Health Care Reform Implementation Task Force

In December 2010, Harrison established the Health Care Reform Implementation Task Force. The Task Force has been evaluating this issue for many months and the county is in a good position to assess what the high court’s ruling means to our community.

"We will continue to evaluate the implications of today’s ruling and take appropriate actions," Harrison said.

Fairfax County - Affordable Care Act
Patch file photo. Sharon Bulova, chair of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.Credit James Cullum
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One more freedom died with the stroke of a pin and a decision based on who put them there not what is constitutional. James Madison must be rolling in his grave to find that what he stood for in Marberry vs Madison means so very little now. As was said in Germany in 1936 "freedom dies to the sounds of thunderous applauses"

I really empathize with our Republican tea-bagger neighbors, many of whom prefer to leave the US because of this action. Therefore, I've compiled a list of all first-world countries they can emigrate to that don't have such a burdensome universal health care system...here's your list. [empty]

Referring to this quote: Congressman James P. "Jim" Moran (D): “Today the Supreme Court reaffirmed what Democrats and President Obama have known for two years; the Affordable Care Act stands on firm constitutional grounds.

The Federal government's lawyers argued it was Constitutional via this order of arguments:

1) It falls under the Commerce Clause (The Supreme Court disagreed; it is unconstitutional via this argument)
2) It falls under the Necessary and Proper Clause (The Supreme Court disagreed; it is unconstitutional via this argument)
3) It falls under the right of the government to levy taxes (The Supreme Court agreed).

You can put lipstick on a pig... but it's still a pig.

p.s. in 2009 Obama said that this wasn't a tax: http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2009/09/obama-mandate-is-not-a-tax/

While I wouldn't call myself a "conservative" as today's world knows it, I see the other side of the coin. What some call "selfishness" I see as a desire to allow, nay, require, others to stand on their own two feet WHEN THEY CAN.

Unless I see emergency rooms able to turn away every sniffle and hangnail as non-emergency, all we've done is shift the burden of payment...that is what is socialistic about it.

"At this festive season of the year, Mr. Scrooge", said the gentleman, taking up a pen, "it is more than usually desirable that we should make some slight provision for the poor and destitute, who suffer greatly at the present time. Many thousands are in want of common necessaries; hundreds of thousands are in want of common comforts, sir."
"Are there no prisons?", asked Scrooge.
"Plenty of prisons", said the gentleman, laying down the pen again.
"And the Union workhouses?", demanded Scrooge. "Are they still in operation?"
"They are. Still", returned the gentleman, "I wish I could say they were not."
"The Treadmill and the Poor Law are in full vigour, then?", said Scrooge.
"Both very busy, sir."
"Oh! I was afraid, from what you said at first, that something had occurred to stop them in their useful course", said Scrooge. "I'm very glad to hear it."
"Under the impression that they scarcely furnish Christian cheer of mind or body to the multitude", returned the gentleman, "a few of us are endeavouring to raise a fund to buy the poor some meat and drink, and means of warmth. What shall I put you down for?"
"Nothing! I help to support the establishments I have mentioned—they cost enough; and those who are badly off must go there."
"Many can't go there; and many would rather die."
"If they would rather die", said Scrooge, "they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population."

The Affordable Care Act requires responsibility from all citizens. ERs are not intended to treat sore throats. Insurance premiums should not increase because of those who choose not to buy insurance, then then require care and do not pay for it.

Socialized health care already exists. It is called Medicare. I cannot count the number of times that I have seen Teaparty seniors say, "the government has o place in health care, but don't touch my Medicare!"

Increased premiums are a "tax" that most citizens have been paying for years. Now, the tax will be shifted to those who choose not to act responsibly.

Last week, some major insurers had already agreed to maintain health reform aspects that they had in place. 22-26 year-olds on their parents's plans are a good pool of healthy premium payers. That us smart business.

The positives of this act FAR outweigh the negatives, if there are any. Most people who are against this seem to have no real knowledge of the details and have relied more on fear-inducing or hysterical propaganda. Everyone wins with this law. Everyone. How can anyone object to not being turned down for pre-existing conditions, allowing children to remain on a parents' policy through age 26, that the majority of the money made by insurance companies goes towards healthcare and not to pure excessive profit for a few managing CEOs, credits for businesses providing health care services, not allowing an insurance company to drop a client when they actually become sick, assistance for the elderly with prescription costs, no lifetime limits for use of insurance. No one is invincible. TEveryone will need health insurance at some point whether it is through aging, preventative care, or an accident. It really is common sense. We were already paying for uninsured patients through higher costs (created by the companies themselves, NOT Obama), so this is simply a more transparent way of doing the exact same thing. Those who cannot afford to pay will be able to get the help and healthcare they need without discrimination. I am more than happy to have some of my tax money go towards helping others, as charities cannot possible keep up with all of them.

KM Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> The Affordable Care Act requires responsibility
> from all citizens. ERs are not intended to treat
> sore throats. Insurance premiums should not
> increase because of those who choose not to buy
> insurance, then then require care and do not pay
> for it.
>
> Socialized health care already exists. It is
> called Medicare. I cannot count the number of
> times that I have seen Teaparty seniors say, "the
> government has o place in health care, but don't
> touch my Medicare!"
>
> Increased premiums are a "tax" that most citizens
> have been paying for years. Now, the tax will be
> shifted to those who choose not to act
> responsibly.
>
> Last week, some major insurers had already agreed
> to maintain health reform aspects that they had in
> place. 22-26 year-olds on their parents's plans
> are a good pool of healthy premium payers. That us
> smart business.

Freedom of choice, the freedom to choose insurance or to pay as I go. I don't need the government to deside for me. I thought iT was suppose to be a mandate not a tax . So when that doesn't fit lets just call it a tax. Now let them figure how to inforce it. BIG BROTHER STRIKES AGAIN!

George Gaylord Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

> Freedom of choice, the freedom to choose insurance
> or to pay as I go. I don't need the government to
> deside for me. I thought iT was suppose to be a
> mandate not a tax . So when that doesn't fit lets
> just call it a tax. Now let them figure how to
> inforce it. BIG BROTHER STRIKES AGAIN!

Do you have the liquid assets to self insure? You might, but I highly doubt you do. 98-99% of Americans cannot afford to self-insure. You're line of thinking works fine when you all you need need is to go down to the Minute Clinic because you have a case of the clap or some sniffles. But that all breaks down when you are faced with a catastrophic illness. When the shit hits the fan and you're faced with a $1MM hospital bill what are you going to do? Are you going to dip into your retirement? Put a third mortgage on you're already upside down piece of shit McMansion? No. You're going to file bankruptcy and stiff the rest of us with the bill, just like 62% of all bankruptcy filings.

Let us not forget that Obamacare was modeled after Romneycare, and just a few years ago it was the Republicans claiming this sort of plan was a good idea.

This only became "Socialism" when the Republicans were taken over by the radical right wing, whose heroes are the Three Stooges of Republicanism: Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, and Glenn Beck.

I have this vision of Sarah Palin standing in front of a crowd, rallying them with talk of conspiracy theories, telling them that Obama "pals around with terrrerrrists (her annunciation)," and that he's a secret Kenyan muslim. As the crowd works itself into a fevered pitch, it starts chanting "Sarah, Sarah, Sarah...." Finally, the speech reaches a fevered pitch and Sarah raises her fist in defiance and shouts out:

"WE'RE STUPID AND PROUD OF IT!!!!!!!!!"

The crowd goes crazy with adulation!!!!!

.....now if only they could convict Holder of a program that basically didn't exist and wasn't even started in the Obama administration.

tHANK GOODNESS WE STILL HAVE THE RIGHT TO VOTE, NEXT WE WILL BE TO STUPID TO DO THAT. I will be voting Republican in November I don't need the goverment telling me how to live any more, and yes I work, yes I have insurance, and yes I believe all should have access to coverage , but of mo choosing ,not because of some mandate with the threat of a tax!

For disclosure, I am a type 1, insulin-dependent diabetic. Got it at 10 years old. I am now 45. My lifestyle had nothing to do with my illness. While planning my wedding in 1992, my COBRA coverage, which I paid out-of-pocket for each month because my new employer would not cover me, was running out. My fiancé and I married 5 months early in a civil ceremony so that I could get on his health insurance.

When his company's insurance changd, it decided to apply pre-existing exclusions to my coverage.. Having diabetes would have prevented their covering anything as simple as strep throat. "You've got strep? Must be due to you diabetes."

I now receive care for a variety of side-effects of my diabetes. No amount of exercise will eliminate my diabetes. Removing pre-existing conditions and lifetime coverage caps are huge for me and many like me. There is a huge difference between choosing poorly (eating poorly, never exercising) and doing what everything that you can yet still not getting covered.

Should gainfully-employed persons with chronic conditions be denied coverage? Thankfully, the ACA said no, and the SCOTUS agreed.

The responsible should not have to endure the costs of the irresponsible. With that, Health Insurance Exchanges will reduce the cost of coverage for families who earn too much for Medicaid eligibility.

The new SCOTUS invented right to tax mandated personal behavior (behavior that was once exclusively a personal choice) now has a constitutional and legal foundation. The potential for overreach by policy makers in Washington that think they know better that we do what is best for us is alarming.

The other issue is that the ACA is probably one of the worse thought-out and written policy document is US history, all 2700 pages of it (that few if anyone has read cove to cover). It was railroaded through an all Dem Exec and Congress with merely symbolic cooperation with the opposition, and finally passed by bending the legislative rules and using bribes for the final decisive votes. Not one Republican voted for the final passage. And as KM pointed out this for 17% of our economy

It is nearly a certainty that without significant changes or replacement, employees will begin to lose their policies (and doctors) as businesses find it is less costly and administratively burdensome to simply drop health benefits and pay the fine. We will see how the folks cheering today, like scrambling around finding a new carrier then.

But you can bet the same know-best Feds will be ready to step in., perhaps with some recruited public sector workers from the motor vehicle bureau to handle our pleas.

No question our current health system is broken.
No question that Obamacare is worse.

Congress did not focus on bringing down the costs of health care--they only focused on getting insurance "coverage" for everyone. However, the coverage has expanded to all sorts of unecessary requirements and additions--e.g. free birth control for all under "prevention". This is making the costs rise for everyone who has to pay.

I agree that prevention is a factor in health care--but the best form of prevention for all sorts of health problems lies with lifestyle--and that goes to personal responsibility-not medicine.

I agree that there needs to be a program for people with pre-existing conditions--and, perhaps, that is where the government needs to step in and help--but that does not mean pick up the whole tab.

The answers are not easy, but I do believe that everyone should have to pay something for their health care and should have to pay something every time they see a doctor. (I do not mean the truly indigent.) I think if we all paid a little more attention to the cost, we would be sure the tests recommended were necessary. A lot of specialists will ask for tests that have just been performed by the general practitioner. This is ridiculous. Most people don't challenge it because they don't know what they are paying for.

MOST people don't expect to go to the grocery store and walk out without paying--why should we expect the same for health care?
Maybe a Type I diabetic should pay more for coverage--but it shouldn't be exorbitant. Everyone doesn't get to drive a LEXUS and some people may have to pay more for health care than others--but it should be affordable.

Most people know more about what they are paying for their dog's vet care than they do their own. You might not bat an eye at paying $300 for a vet visit--but react if you were to pay the doctor that much instead of the insurance covering it........

Louis Horvath Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I really empathize with our Republican tea-bagger
> neighbors, many of whom prefer to leave the US
> because of this action. Therefore, I've compiled a
> list of all first-world countries they can
> emigrate to that don't have such a burdensome
> universal health care system...here's your list.

I really empathize with our Socialist neighbors, many of whom consume too many calories, don't exercise and don't work for a living (which I fully support, its your choice). I have compiled a list of all first-world countries that have underfunded entitlement programs...here's your list, Greece, Spain, Protugal, Ireland, Crete

I guess Bulova has never heard of hipaa plans

To Bob McDonnell

I am currently applying for a home equity loan to help pay for the $11,500 cost of getting a growing bump removed from my right jaw. At great risk to me, I have put off this surgery for five years due financial difficulties and have finally scheduled my surgery for July 20, 2012. I have a $10,000 deductable.

Please stop trying to block Virginians like myself from participating in all aspects of The Affordable Care Act.

All you have to do is hook your house up to our Transvaginal Pipeline to get free health care Virginia. Just tell any health care provider you want an abortion and we shove a giant probe up your uterus and all your medical needs will be paid for by the Government.
Attachments:

Sherry Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>
> I am currently applying for a home equity loan to
> help pay for the $11,500 cost of getting a growing
> bump removed from my right jaw. At great risk to
> me, I have put off this surgery for five years due
> financial difficulties and have finally scheduled
> my surgery for July 20, 2012. I have a $10,000
> deductable.
>
> Please stop trying to block Virginians like myself
> from participating in all aspects of The
> Affordable Care Act.


Sherry, The AFA will not help you in this situation. The AFA allows you to purchase insurance with any deductable you want, so you would still have the $10,000 deductable. However, the rates for that insurance will be more expensive, because part of your premium will help pay for those who cannot afford any health insurance.

Anyone who equates the AFA with free medical care for the working class is fooling temselves.

Sherry Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> To Bob McDonnell
>
> I am currently applying for a home equity loan to
> help pay for the $11,500 cost of getting a growing
> bump removed from my right jaw. At great risk to
> me, I have put off this surgery for five years due
> financial difficulties and have finally scheduled
> my surgery for July 20, 2012. I have a $10,000
> deductable.
>
> Please stop trying to block Virginians like myself
> from participating in all aspects of The
> Affordable Care Act.

ACA won't help you. It doesn't kick in until 2014.

KM Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> For disclosure, I am a type 1, insulin-dependent
> diabetic. Got it at 10 years old. I am now 45. My
> lifestyle had nothing to do with my illness. While
> planning my wedding in 1992, my COBRA coverage,
> which I paid out-of-pocket for each month because
> my new employer would not cover me, was running
> out. My fiancé and I married 5 months early in a
> civil ceremony so that I could get on his health
> insurance.

KM, Unlike Sherry (above) you are exactly the type of patient that the AFA is designed to help. Obviously, you or your working spouse will still pay premiums, with the cost offset by how much her employer is able to pay.