government

Health reform law anniversary draws praises and renewed vows for repeal

The act's architects point to benefits people have enjoyed and the progress that has been made, while critics continue calls for its dismantling.

By David Glendinning — Posted March 24, 2011

Print  |   Email  |   Respond  |   Reprints  |   Like Facebook  |   Share Twitter  |   Tweet Linkedin

As the one-year anniversary of President Obama's signing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act into law arrived, policymakers and observers used the occasion to issue reminders of what they see to be at stake in the health system reform debate.

The week of March 21 gave both sides the opportunity to renew their positions on the reform law, which was enacted March 23, 2010, after a long and bitter legislative contest. The administration started out the week by launching the "Better Benefits, Better Health Initiative," a public information campaign.

Although most of the major reforms in the law will not launch until 2014, the White House is promoting some of the protections and coverage expansions that already have occurred. Each day of the week, the administration and other reform law advocates planned numerous events focusing on the positive effects the reforms have had.

"One year into the health care law, you, your family and your small business may be eligible for important new benefits that will ensure you get the care you need and deserve at a lower cost," said the Dept. of Health and Human Services website announcing the campaign. "From preventive care with no out-of-pocket costs to prescription drug discounts for seniors, from young adults having the chance to stay on their parents' insurance to tax credits for small businesses, the Affordable Care Act is providing new health care rights, protections and choices."

But reform law opponents, who planned their own events for the anniversary week, said the statute would prove fiscally unsustainable over the long term. They are continuing to push for repealing the law in its entirety but also are working to undo individual key elements through legislation or court action.

"Obamacare is a sinking ship, and when it starts to go below the waves, the very groups and organizations that sought refuge in deals with the White House will be the first groups Democrats turn to for more money to fill the holes," Sen. Orrin Hatch (R, Utah) said in an address marking the anniversary of enactment. "Short of repealing Obamacare wholesale, we will do so retail through death by a thousand cuts. We will fight this until we win."

Back to top


ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISE HERE


Featured
Read story

Confronting bias against obese patients

Medical educators are starting to raise awareness about how weight-related stigma can impair patient-physician communication and the treatment of obesity. Read story


Read story

Goodbye

American Medical News is ceasing publication after 55 years of serving physicians by keeping them informed of their rapidly changing profession. Read story


Read story

Policing medical practice employees after work

Doctors can try to regulate staff actions outside the office, but they must watch what they try to stamp out and how they do it. Read story


Read story

Diabetes prevention: Set on a course for lifestyle change

The YMCA's evidence-based program is helping prediabetic patients eat right, get active and lose weight. Read story


Read story

Medicaid's muddled preventive care picture

The health system reform law promises no-cost coverage of a lengthy list of screenings and other prevention services, but some beneficiaries still might miss out. Read story


Read story

How to get tax breaks for your medical practice

Federal, state and local governments offer doctors incentives because practices are recognized as economic engines. But physicians must know how and where to find them. Read story


Read story

Advance pay ACOs: A down payment on Medicare's future

Accountable care organizations that pay doctors up-front bring practice improvements, but it's unclear yet if program actuaries will see a return on investment. Read story


Read story

Physician liability: Your team, your legal risk

When health care team members drop the ball, it's often doctors who end up in court. How can physicians improve such care and avoid risks? Read story

  • Stay informed
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • RSS
  • LinkedIn