Health care reform law upheld, what does it mean?

The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday voted 5-4 to largely let stand the Affordable Care Act, the health care reform law passed by Congress in 2010. The Court upheld the Individual Mandate, which requires citizens to purchase health insurance.

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The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld the health care reform law that was passed by Congress in 2010.

"This is a historic decision for U.S. health care," said UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D. "This law is an important step toward achieving the goal of ensuring all Americans have access to health care. Nationwide, addressing the projected health care workforce shortage is now more important than ever, to treat these newly insured. As larger numbers of newly insured patients begin to access primary care, the shortage of primary care providers could worsen. "

Thursday's decision provides us with a more-certain foundation as we proceed to implement the ACA, Dr. Maurer said.

Dr. Maurer said that UNMC and its partners already have taken important measures to adapt to the reforms called for in this law, and that they can now continue to focus their full energy on preparing for the upcoming phases of implementation of the law.

Visit the UNMC Government Relations Health Care Reform page for other important about this vital topic.