July 15, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Health Care Ruling May Affect Us All:

By Ron Pollack

Executive Director, Families USA

At the end of March, the Supreme Court will review the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act (the 2010 health care law), and the rhetoric has been flowing fast and furious. I happen to think the law is constitutional–but I’m going to leave the legal analysis for another time and place.

Instead, I want to focus on some facts: what the law does for older Americans and what might happen if those challenging the law get their way. The opponents of the law say the Court should toss out the whole thing, even sections of the law that are already in effect and working. And that’s where it gets very interesting for older Americans, especially for those who rely on Medicare.

Under the law, the infamous gap in the Medicare prescription drug benefit (known as the “doughnut hole”) is gradually closing. In 2011, about 3.6 million Medicare beneficiaries with substantial prescription drug costs saved a total of $2.1 billion on drugs compared to what they would have paid without the law. The average Medicare beneficiary is on track to save almost $4,200 by 2021. But if the Court strikes down the law, the doughnut hole will re-open. That will increase seniors’ prescription drug costs, hitting people with high drug costs the hardest.

Medicare’s preventive benefits are also better thanks to the law.

Medicare now covers most preventive services without a deductible or coinsurance. This is part of the broader shift to use Medicare to help keep people well, not just cover care when they get sick. Potentially life-saving services, like mammograms, prostate cancer screenings, cholesterol testing, and now obesity counseling are covered free of charge. Without the law, Medicare’s coverage for many of these services will be reduced and out-of-pocket costs will go up.

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, Medicare’s other out-of-pocket costs (premiums and coinsurance) are also lower than they would be otherwise. The law slows down the growth in payments to hospitals and other health care providers. It also encourages doctors and hospitals to work together better, to cut down on unnecessary tests and avoid unnecessary readmissions. These kinds of changes will save Medicare billions over the coming years, and those savings are passed onto seniors through smaller increases in premiums and coinsurance. Getting rid of the law will halt progress just as it gets started.

Beyond Medicare, many other improvements that matter to older Americans are at risk if the Court strikes down the law. If you need long-term care through Medicaid, changes in the law make it easier to get help in your home, rather than having to move to a nursing home. And if you (or your loved one) someday do need care at a nursing home, the law helps make sure you’re safe by expanding background checks for nursing home employees and making better information about nursing home quality available to everyone. All those protections will be gone if the Court strikes down the law.

And of course, for those of us who don’t have Medicare coverage yet, as well as for our children and grandchildren, the law provides a host of much-needed protections, like making health care coverage more affordable and prohibiting insurance companies from discriminating against people with pre-existing conditions. Those protections are very much in jeopardy at the Supreme Court.

There’s no way to know what the Supreme Court will decide when it takes up the Affordable Care Act case. But one thing’s for sure-we all have a stake in the outcome.

in News
<>Related Posts

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...

Venice Beach to Host First Medal at 2028 Olympics

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Venice Beach, known for its vibrant boardwalk, will kick off the 844 ticketed events, hosting the triathlon along its coastline...

Santa Monica Man Arrested for Allegedly Exporting Electronics to Iran

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Ostovari, identified as the CEO of a Tehran-based engineering firm, allegedly orchestrated the scheme since 2018  A 66-year-old Santa Monica...

Federal Judge Sides with Santa Monica, Other Local Governments Against Immigration Raids

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete praised the ruling, saying it reaffirmed the city’s commitment to protecting residents from unjust detention...

Veterans Tech Group to Launch Los Angeles Chapter with Networking Event

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Founded in San Francisco, VetsInTech operates 20 chapters nationwide and claims more than 60,000 veterans VetsInTech, a national nonprofit that...

Film Review: Jurassic World: Rebirth

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

“The story is simplistic and predictive, and that’s all it needs to be, because the age-old battle to survive the...

Santa Monica Assault Suspect Faces Multiple Charges, Authorities Seek Additional Victims

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

Marbra allegedly assaulted a 52-year-old woman on the Strand in Santa Monica, facing a felony count of assault with intent...

SM.a.r.t.Column: Does the Rand Corporation have a future in Santa Monica?

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

“Although no one said it outright, it is clear to all that RAND is feeling—and will continue to feel—the impact...

County Health Leaders Decry Federal Policy Barring Undocumented from Programs

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The officials argued the policy jeopardizes care for all residents, noting it could deter people—regardless of status—from seeking treatment  Leaders...

County Supervisors Move to Preserve Measure J Amid Charter Error

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

Measure J mandates that at least 10% of the county’s locally generated, unrestricted funds be allocated to community investments like...

LA Medical Center Seeks Help Identifying Unconscious Patient

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

He has been unconscious since admission, and staff have been unable to determine his identity Los Angeles General Medical Center,...

Mayor Bass Issues Directive to Protect Immigrant Communities

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The order expands access to city resources for affected families and requests records from ICE, including details on arrests Mayor...

Downtown Santa Monica CEO Andrew Thomas to Step Down

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Thomas, who rejoined DTSM, Inc. in 2022, oversaw the introduction of a private security program, expanded homeless outreach, and boosted...

Conservancy to Tour Historic Miles Playhouse at State of the City Event

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Built in 1929, the Miles Playhouse serves as the centerpiece of Lincoln Park The Santa Monica Conservancy will offer 15-minute...

Sen. Ben Allen Highlights Challenges, Economic Gains for LA28 Olympics

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

The remarks came during the first informational hearing of the Senate’s Special Committee on International Sporting Events State Sen. Ben...