Skilled nursing operators are among the many providers waiting — and worrying — about whether the U.S. Supreme Court will scrap the healthcare reform law in a ruling expected to be announced late this month.
Experts from both political parties are warning that the Medicare program could unravel if the Affordable Care Act is deemed unconstitutional. The justices can disallow the act in its entirety, or in part.
At least one expert has raised fears that nursing homes and others might see payment interruptions if the ACA — which sets current payment rates — is ruled void. Also, a former Medicare and Medicaid chief said “extremely disruptive” changes could strike the Medicare program.
Meanwhile, if the ACA is struck down, as many as a few thousand new federal workers hired to implement its provisions could be out of jobs.
From the June 01, 2012 Issue of McKnight's Long-Term Care News
