Supreme Court Health Reform Ruling Could Affect Eldercare

In a March 28 blog post, eldercare author Howard Gleckman explains what would happen to health care for elders if the Supreme Court finds the Affordable Care Act (ACA) unconstitutional.

For example, Gleckman notes that the ACA incentivizes states to expand Medicaid long-term care services for people receiving care in their home. By striking down the ACA, the Supreme Court would take away those incentives.

Gleckman also explains how a repeal of the law would impact Medicare, integrated care, and the CLASS Act.

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments this week in a case that will decide the fate of the ACA. At issue is the law’s requirement that individuals purchase health insurance or pay a penalty.

In his post, Gleckman notes that most of the ACA’s effects on eldercare “have nothing at all to do with the controversial insurance reforms in the ACA. But if the Court strikes down the entire law, all of these provisions would die.”

— by Matthew Ozga