Obama and Romney on Healthcare Reform: They Don’t Always Disagree
Written by Doug McPherson, Policy Analyst, CiperHealth | September 12, 2012
Despite the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act two months ago, a cloud of uncertainty has hung over the healthcare industry, as major players have tried to read the tea leaves and determine what a Romney-Ryan victory in November would mean for the reform law. This past weekend, the sky began to clear when Mitt Romney stated in the clearest terms of the campaign that he does not intend to “[get] rid of all of healthcare reform.”
Mr. Romney has stated that he’d keep key protections for people with pre-existing conditions, but he has been a bit vague about what other provisions may survive if he wins the election. For hospitals, some of the most important provisions of the PPACA are incentives that tie how much a hospital is paid to it how well it is able to meet certain standards for quality care. Mr. Romney and Rep. Ryan have both advocated for the kind of incentive reforms that are a reality under the PPACA, and these reforms are likely to survive in some form, regardless of who wins the White House in November.
Led by Mr. Romney and Rep. Ryan, conservatives have attacked coverage expansions, health insurance mandates and new taxes brought on by the healthcare law. Many of these controversial provisions will not be implemented for years, but other provisions that incorporate ideas that both members of the GOP ticket have defended are going into effect this fall. Starting in October, the PPACA will introduce a new payment system that rewards hospitals that implement clinical best practices and meet other quality standards. Those who do not make the cut will be punished.
