Health Care Reform Implementation Update July 3, 2012

Originally published on CyberInquirer.

The Supreme Court upheld the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in a landmark 5-4 decision, which prompted many in business, the administration and states around the country to proceed with the Act's implementation, while others are preparing for a major political effort to repeal the law.

IN THE COURTS

In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court upheld much of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on Thursday (6/28), including the federal mandate to purchase health insurance, but not the power of the federal government to withhold Medicaid funds from states that choose not to participate in the law's Medicaid expansions.

AT THE AGENCIES

Medicaid expansions planned under the Affordable Care Act now hang in the balance as state officials decide whether to participate in or opt out of the law's Medicaid provisions. The Supreme Court effectively said states may implement the new Medicaid expansions included within the law and receive the financial benefits that accompany those expansions, or they may maintain their existing Medicaid programs without having to face a withholding of funds for those programs.

IN THE STATES

Texas is weighing whether to participate in or opt out of the Affordable Care Act's Medicaid provisions, which, if implemented, would extend coverage to 1.8 million Texans, but also cost the state an estimated...