Incredible! My best dreams for this decision were realized.

As I blogged the other day,  I thought upholding the mandate was a definite possibility but I certainly wasn't certain.  This is very exciting to see this outcome, with Roberts, a Bush appointee, being a key vote.

Today I will celebrate.  I hope the american public will now accept this decision, but I am sure the Republicans will work hard to fight it.  We will still have to work hard to re-elect Obama and keep enough Democrats in congress.

This is very moving.

Still trying to figure out the impact of the decision on Medicaid.  Sounds like States can decide to opt of the new medicaid provisions w/o a penalty.

Addendum:  Just listened to obama.  I have been waiting two years for him to speak to the country about the law.  A very good speech, but there are a few critical comments that he could have added, such as this will save money, and result in better care.

Romney on the other hand had some good sound bites but most of them were inaccurate, such as 20 million will lose their insurance (somewhat accurate but misleading), and that costs will go up (definitely offbase).

Comments on Supreme Court, obesity counceling, and EHR

Today's blog is on several different topics. Some from Kaiser Health News.

1) My thoughts on the Supreme Court Decision

So Thursday morning is the big day.  I have no knowledge to predict the outcome.  I hope that they validate the entire law and believe it is possible. Several folks have made good arguments that if they reject the individual mandate, they are undermining the commerce clause.  On the other hand, the cynical side of me has not a lot of faith in this supreme court.  On too many decisions, this court has made what I call political decisions, such as the decision to approve Bush's election, and the Citizens United case.  My hope is that if the reject the mandate, that is all they kill.  While that decision will undermine the bill, the rest of the provisions will carry us far forward.  If they reject other provisions, then we are in trouble.

2) Articles from Kaiser Health News  that are of significance

a) Preventive Services Task Force Endorses Obesity Screening, Counseling

http://tinyurl.com/cv9b6k5 

this is a very  good recommendation which has lots of merit.  I have greatly benefited from a program started at GWU and is now operated by the National Center for Weight and Wellness. I highly recommend their program and its features. 

b) Electronic Health Records Could Help Lower Malpractice Claims

http://tinyurl.com/7bwabj4 

sounds good.  

 

why not the best: hospital peformance reports

http://www.whynotthebest.org/

this is an excellent resource that compares hospitals all over the country on many variables.  Very useful results. Somewhat surprising re Montgomery county hospitals. 

Healthcare jobs to grow dramatically

http://www9.georgetown.edu/grad/gppi/hpi/cew/pdfs/Healthcare.FullReport1.pdf

this georgetown report indicates significant growth in health care jobs.  This is independent of the affordable care act. the act will result in that many more jobs.  Congressional Quarterly has a nice summary of this report for those who have a paid subscription.  A colleague who works at ANA says the numbers are too low for nurses. 

LA times has article on this report
http://www.latimes.com/business/money/la-fi-mo-health-care-jobs-20120621,0,1325697.story

5.6 million jobs by 2020

Video: Health Reform: We Cannot Go Back

http://tinyurl.com/7t64hxf

this is a well done video that describes the key benefits of the Affordable Care Act.  Prepared by Catholic health Association.

The Commonwealth Fund Connection Enrollees in Individual Health Plans to Gain Better Coverage Under Health Reform

http://tinyurl.com/6m3uwwh

Many enrollees in individual plans will greatly benefit from obamacare. 

Kaiser: Health Tracking Poll: Exploring the Public's Views on the Affordable Care Act (ACA)

http://www.kff.org/kaiserpolls/health-tracking-poll-interactive.cfm

explore the different demographic groups and their views over time.  Interesting splits between the different groups, especially for insured and uninsured.  Useful to focus on some of these splits.