Healthcare CEOs react to the King v. Burwell decision

The Supreme Court announced their decision today to uphold premium tax credit subsidies for all eligible Americans using the federal insurance exchange HealthCare.gov in the highly contested King v. Burwell battle.

Below are the immediate reactions to the Supreme Court's decision from CEOs from hospitals, health systems and national healthcare organizations.

This piece will be continually updated as more comments become available.

Eric Bieber, MD, president and CEO of Rochester (N.Y.) Regional Health System: "While today's Supreme Court ruling does not directly impact residents of New York State, it is welcome news for millions of residents in other states who will continue to be eligible for federal subsidies to help pay for their healthcare coverage. The ruling ensures that these individuals have access to care when they need it.

Across the country, the ways in which we provide and pay for healthcare continue to evolve, and it our hope that the move towards value-based care — care that is paid for based on quality outcomes — continues. Rochester Regional Health stands committed to providing our patients with the best value-based care available in their local communities."

Bill Carpenter, chairman and CEO of LifePoint Health (Brentwood, Tenn.): "We are very pleased with the Supreme Court ruling. Congress clearly intended to help all Americans have greater access to quality healthcare services through affordable health insurance coverage, regardless of the state in which they live. We are pleased that the Court upheld the spirit and intent of the Affordable Care Act enacted by Congress.

LifePoint Health serves the needs of many people living in small, rural communities across the nation, regardless of their healthcare coverage or ability to pay. We are grateful that those who have secured affordable health insurance through the state exchanges will have peace of mind knowing that their coverage — and access to care — will continue.

We hope this ruling will encourage state governments that haven't already done so to embrace the intent of the law and expand their state Medicaid programs."

Kenneth L. Davis, MD, president and CEO of Mount Sinai Health System (New York City): "I am pleased with the Supreme Court's strong ruling to uphold ACA subsidies, which stabilizes insurance markets and ensures health coverage for millions of Americans. Since the enactment of healthcare reform, major hospital systems like Mount Sinai have worked to adapt to the changing health care landscape, shifting away from the fee-for-service model, moving toward population health management and streamlining services to reduce readmissions. I hope today's decision enables us to move forward and to continue providing comprehensive, accessible care to our communities."

John Fox, president and CEO of Beaumont Health (Royal Oak, Mich.): "Today, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down its decision in the King v. Burwell case in support of subsidies offered in states like Michigan that use the federal health insurance exchange (HealthCare.gov) rather than a state-based exchange. These funds help low and moderate middle income people afford urgently needed health care coverage.

The court's decision means the support program remains intact. Those who currently have insurance purchased through HealthCare.gov will not have to make any changes, nor will they see any changes in benefits or premiums as a result of this ruling.

This is very good news for the people of Michigan, particularly the more than 220,000 state residents who rely on these subsidies to obtain health insurance for themselves and their families. It is also good news for Michigan healthcare as we strive to improve access to care to support the health and wellbeing of our patients.

We at Beaumont Health take great pride in being a health care resource to Michigan communities by providing high quality, high value care. We also are proud to help those in our communities access the health care coverage and resources they need to get better and stay well."

Robert C. Garrett, president and CEO of Hackensack University Health Network (Bergen County, N.J.): "Hackensack University Health Network is reassured by the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to uphold King v. Burwell as it will ensure that millions of Americans will have uninterrupted access to affordable healthcare.

As a leading national provider, we understand the importance of ensuring patient access to medical services, particularly preventive care. In this environment of ballooning healthcare costs, keeping people healthy is our number one priority, and we believe that subsidies are a key asset in achieving that goal. 

Today's ruling stabilizes the healthcare delivery system, as we all will remain focused on providing high-quality care for patients and giving them the peace of mind that they have access to the care that they deserve."

Chris Van Gorder, president and CEO of Scripps Health (San Diego): "I thought the decision would be split with one vote making the difference one way or the other, but the decision today was overwhelming in support of the ACA with both Roberts and Kennedy supporting the four liberal members of the court with the three conservative members voting against.

I think it's notable that Chief Justice Roberts wrote the opinion on behalf of the majority. This puts to an end the question of whether or not the ACA will be the law of the land or not and brings a sense of security for all those insured through state and federal exchanges — subsidized or not — and for all of their providers. I hope we can all put the issue behind us now so we can come together to build a higher-quality and more cost-effective healthcare system for all Americans fair to patients and providers alike."

Bruce Siegel, MD, president and CEO of America's Essential Hospitals: "America's Essential Hospitals praises today's U.S. Supreme Court decision, which maintains access to vital healthcare services for millions of Americans and supports the hospitals that care for our most vulnerable patients.

"As many as 6 million people stood at risk of losing coverage if the court ruled against premium subsidies. With its decision, the court keeps coverage within reach for individuals and families who otherwise have few affordable options to pay for care they need. ... Essential hospitals also welcome the decision, which reduces uncertainty about uncompensated care and creates greater stability for these hospitals as they work to meet their commitment to serving low-income people and others in need."

Steven J. Stack, MD, president of the American Medical Association: "The American Medical Association is relieved that today's Supreme Court decision will allow millions of patients to continue accessing the healthcare they need and deserve.

Physicians know that the uninsured live sicker and die younger so the AMA has been a leading voice in support of expanding health insurance access to ensure patients can get the care they require.

The subsidies upheld today help patients afford health insurance so they can see a doctor when they need one and not have to wait until a small health problem becomes a crisis. The subsidies provide patients with peace of mind that they will not risk bankruptcy should they become seriously ill or injured and experience catastrophic healthcare costs.

With this case now behind us, we hope our country can move forward and continue strengthening our nation's healthcare system."  

Anthony Tersigni, EdD, President and CEO of Ascension (St. Louis): "We are delighted that the Supreme Court has affirmed the Affordable Care Act and with it our ability to deliver personalized and compassionate care to those that need it. This will strengthen the health and well-being of the individuals and communities we are privileged to serve."

Rich Umbdenstock, president and CEO of the American Hospital Association: "The AHA welcomes today's Supreme Court decision. There were more than 6 million good reasons for it, because it ensures continued access to health insurance subsidies for so many Americans. In the short time the subsidies have been available, hard-working people who are sick, need care for chronic conditions, or want preventive care have been able to seek care more easily. Most significantly, providing access to primary and preventive care

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