Policy & Regulation News

HHS Secretary Burwell Speaks on ACA, King v. Burwell

By Jacqueline DiChiara

- Today’s King v. Burwell decision from the Supreme Court to uphold subsidies is a groundbreaking moment for the healthcare industry.  King v. Burwell examines whether or not those federal premium subsidies issued to residents in states without a state-established exchange are allowable. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has been upheld with the Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision today. The Supreme Court ruled that the general context and structure of the ACA means Congress intended financial assistance to be available to residents of all states; this is not dependent upon how states’ exchanges are managed.

King v. Burwell

As a flurry of statements and reactions manifest themselves this afternoon, one especially imperative statement released comes from Sylvia M. Burwell, Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Burwell expresses her views on what comes next for the ACA. She calls the decision a "positive" one and says healthcare dollars will now be spent more wisely than ever before.

“Today’s Supreme Court decision confirms that the Affordable Care Act’s tax credits are available to all eligible Americans no matter where they live. Americans in all 50 states and the District of Columbia can continue to rely on the security and peace of mind that come with affordable, quality health care coverage,” states Burwell. “Over six million Americans and their families will sleep easier knowing they will still be able to afford health coverage. Millions more won’t have to worry about an upward spiral in their premiums because of today’s decision, even if they didn’t buy their insurance through the Marketplace,” Burwell maintains.

Burwell says the law’s financial assistance will be available in the next open enrollment which will allow many others to reap benefits. She maintains that the ACA is indeed working to advance and enhance access, affordability, and quality of healthcare. 

  • Open Revenue Cycle Reveals Opportunities for Patients, Providers
  • HHS Secretary Alex Azar Resigns, Effective Jan. 20
  • 86% of Providers Saw Prior Authorization Requirements Increase
  • “People’s lives have been changed and even saved because they have health insurance — many for the first time. They have coverage that can keep them healthy and provide quality care when they are sick,” Burwell states. “The Affordable Care Act also strengthens protections for almost every American with health insurance,” she adds.

    Those with pre-existing conditions will not be denied coverage or charged higher premiums, she says, adding that critical preventative services are available at no additional cost.

    “Since parents can keep their children on their health insurance policies up to age 26, young Americans can stay in school or find their first job without worrying about their coverage. And your health premiums can no longer be higher just because you are a woman,” Burwell says.

    Burwell says she hopes this “positive decision” will help Americans afford access to quality coverage through the implementation of a healthcare system that allows collective dollars to be spent more wisely than before.