High court upholds key part of Obama health law

Posted: 06.28.2012 at 9:19 AM Updated: 06.28.2012 at 2:30 PM

(AP) -- Updated, 3:40 p.m.:

Bill Thompson, president of SSM Health Care, had this to say:

"As you are no doubt well aware, this morning the Supreme Court issued its decision on the Affordable Care Act. While it will take some time to understand the full implications of the Court’s decision, we are very encouraged that health insurance coverage has been expanded to 32 million Americans. SSM Health Care has long believed that all Americans have a right to basic health-care coverage necessary to live a healthy and productive life.

"While it needs further refinement, the Accountable Care Act (ACA) attempts to shift our health system away from a focus on disease and illness to a system that focuses on keeping people healthy, better managing chronic disease and coordinating care. We will continue to work to improve the ACA along with lawmakers and others who are dedicated to the goal of improving the health of all Americans.

"Despite the Court's decision, health-care reform will continue to face significant challenges. Intense political pressure will continue at the state and federal levels to amend or even repeal the ACA. We will continue to advocate for a just system for all Americans. The one thing that will remain a constant in all of this is SSM's unwavering commitment to provide exceptional care to those we serve."

Updated, 2:30 p.m.:

Statement from Steven Lipstein, president and CEO of BJC HealthCare:

“Today’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling helps to ensure that more people in our country will receive health insurance to assist with their medical needs. BJC HealthCare will continue our focus on making medicine better for the patients and families we serve. As BJC employees, we work every day to improve quality and safety and have
long advocated for affordable health care that expands access to needed medical services. We continue to believe that all people living in the United States need the financial protection and security that comes with having health insurance.”

Updated, 1:00 p.m.:

The University of Missouri Health System released a statement on today's Supreme Court ruling on the Affordable Care Act.

“We welcome the clarity that the ruling provides and believe health care already has changed in significant ways as hospitals, physicians and other health care providers are working together more closely to improve the coordination of care,” said Harold A. Williamson Jr., M.D., vice chancellor of the University of Missouri Health System. “At MU Health System we will continue to work on ways to provide care more efficiently and ensure patient quality and safety. We believe we are well positioned for a more inclusive health care system, providing both preventive care for a larger number of patients and managing chronic disease often associated with an aging population.”

Original:

The Supreme Court has upheld the individual insurance requirement at the heart of President Barack Obama's health care overhaul.

The court on Thursday handed Obama a campaign-season victory in rejecting arguments that Congress went too far in requiring most Americans to have health insurance or pay a penalty.