Affordable Care Act is Finally "Safe"

Well, it's been 3 days since the decision, and it's honestly all I can think about. I can't tell you how many victory laps I have taken since the decision was announced. Like many of you, I was watching CNN and had a true "Dewey vs. Truman" moment.  CNN first in-correctly said that the law was turned down and then later correctly said that the law had been up-held.  Wow, what a swing of emotions in such a short period of time.  You are talking about the difference in countless lives and trillions of dollars between the two outcomes.  No, it's more than a "Dewey vs Truman" moment.  

But let's get to the law and it's implications - the important thing. There is simply no way to describe how beneficial this really is to the Gastroenterology community.  This article from USA Today sums up my feelings very well.  As I said in a recent post, there are many Gastroenterology patients who probably did not  receive the health care they needed due to a pre-existing condition, but for all children (and everyone else starting in 2014), they can no longer be discriminated against because of their pre-existing condition.  This is not only a win for patients, but also a win for Gastroenterologists everywhere.  Its a win-win across the board for everyone in the Gastroenterology community in more ways than just one.  Most importantly, private sector plans along with Medicare and Medicaid will now be required to cover colon cancer screening  tests with no cost to the patient. This is a great preventive step.  This is just one positive here.

However, there still is work to be done.  The American  Gastroenterology Society is busy detailing what they will be doing through their political action committee.  Most importantly, they will be trying to close a loop-hole which makes the patient pay out-of-pocket for the removal of polyps which are detected during colonoscopy.  A big thanks to the political action committee for all of the hard work they are doing over there.

But for now, let's just sit back and bathe in this win.  It's good to know that there is a small chance that this bill will get repealed.  We can talk about the ramifications later.  For now, let's just enjoy this moment.  Health Care for all at-last in the USA - what a win!