The Supreme Court’s decision today to uphold the Affordable Care Act will help us to advance our mission of providing care for all, regardless of their ability to pay.
We know firsthand of the challenges that people without insurance have in maintaining their health. We have seen an ongoing and steady increase in the number of healthcare visits that we provide for uninsured patients.
Since 2008, these visits have increased by nearly 50% and we are on pace for 243,000 visits this year, a 7% increase from 2011.
Currently we are working with the State of Ohio to obtain approval for a Medicaid waiver that will allow about 20,000 Cuyahoga County uninsured people to receive many health care benefits prior to 2014.
We hope the Federal government will move to approve it quickly now that the Supreme Court has upheld the Medicaid portion of the law.
What does this decision mean for MetroHealth?
The Supreme Court’s decision today to uphold the Affordable Care Act will help us to advance our mission of providing care for all, regardless of their ability to pay. We know firsthand of the challenges that people without insurance have in maintaining their health. We have seen an ongoing and steady increase in the number of healthcare visits that we provide for uninsured patients. Since 2008, these visits have increased by nearly 50% and we are on pace for 243,000 visits this year, a 7% increase from 2011.
Currently we are working with the State of Ohio to obtain approval for a Medicaid waiver that will allow about 20,000 uninsured residents of Cuyahoga County to receive many healthcare benefits prior to 2014. We hope the Federal government will move to approve it quickly now that the Supreme Court has upheld the Medicaid portion of the law.
Medicaid expansion: In 2013 and 2014, the law will enhance primary care by increasing the amount that Medicaid pays to primary care doctors, ensuring that more doctors offer such services.
What does this decision mean for Cuyahoga County residents?
People with pre-existing conditions can no longer be denied coverage. This measure would take effect in September for children, and in 2014 for adults.
Uninsured: A national high-risk pool will be created this year for the uninsured to get immediate coverage and access to care. Health care exchanges will be created in Ohio in which people without access to affordable insurance through their employer can get coverage at affordable group rates. People with incomes up to $43,320 for individuals and $88,200 for a family of four would receive a tax credit for insurance purchased through the exchange.
Insured: The insured will be able to keep their employer-sponsored insurance. Large employers will receive federal incentives to continue providing insurance.
The insured will no longer be subject to lifetime and restricted annual caps on healthcare coverage through their insurer.
Starting this year, the law eliminates co-pays and deductibles for preventive care in new health plans. Beginning in 2014, it guarantees oral and vision benefits for children.
Medicare: Virtually all U.S. citizens who are 65 or over or permanently disabled are covered by, or eligible for, Medicare. The law does not change this. And it does not cut guaranteed Medicare benefits.
How does this decision affect the Medicaid waiver?
Included in the Affordable Care Act is a provision allowing more people to gain coverage from Medicaid. The Medicaid expansion would take place in 2014.
MetroHealth has been preparing for this decision for the last two years through the application for and development of the Medicaid waiver. Under the waiver, MetroHealth would use its $36 million annual subsidy from the county to gain an additional $64 million from Medicaid to care for about 20,000 more Cuyahoga County residents who are currently uninsured.
Upon approval by state and federal governments, the waiver would be implemented this year and would remain in place until the Medicaid expansion goes into effect in 2014.
The Supreme Court’s decision today to uphold the Affordable Care Act will help us to advance 
The Supreme Court’s decision today to uphold the Affordable Care Act will help us to advance our mission of providing care for all, regardless of their ability to pay. We know firsthand of the challenges that people without insurance have in maintaining their health. We have seen an ongoing and steady increase in the number of healthcare visits that we provide for uninsured patients. Since 2008, these visits have increased by nearly 50% and we are on pace for 243,000 visits this year, a 7% increase from 2011.
