Major health care reforms in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and a sidecar of related amendments passed the House of Representatives late Sunday night. Arguably, this is the biggest health reform bill to come out of Congress since Medicare legislation was enacted more than 40 years ago.
The House passed the reform bill (which originally passed in the Senate Dec. 24, 2009) by a 219-212 vote. President Barack Obama is expected to sign the bill into law this week.
Democrats and Republicans remained bitterly divided on the package of reforms as all Republicans voted "no."
We'll have more news coverage on the impacts of the bill to physician payments throughout the week. Many medical associations say the reforms in the bill aren't perfect, but several associations supported the measure. Here is a round-up of how some are reacting:
American Osteopathic Association (AOA):
Our nation has sought meaningful and comprehensive health care reforms for over 100 years. Today, we took a substantial step towards accomplishing this goal. This legislation represents progress in our national health care policy. For the first time in our history nearly all Americans, as a result of this legislation, will have access to affordable health care coverage and will be protected in their interactions with health insurance companies. While much work remains in the months and years ahead, the AOA and our members wish to thank the Members of the House of Representatives and Senate for their commitment and dedication to accomplishing this historic goal.
American Medical Association (AMA):
By extending health coverage to tens of millions of uninsured, improving competition and choice in the insurance marketplace, promoting prevention and wellness, reducing administrative burdens, and promoting clinical comparative effectiveness research, this bill will help patients and the physicians who care for them. There are increased payments for primary care physicians caring for Medicaid patients and bonus payments for physicians in underserved areas.
American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP):
Although this bill is not perfect, the AAFP consistently supported efforts to provide health insurance with a minimum package of benefits for all Americans; to deliver high quality, comprehensive, and preventive care in a patient-centered medical home; and to ensure people can see their personal physician when they need care. We've also supported changing the system to one built on primary care.