Health Care Reform Issues to Watch in 2012

ACO’s (Accountable Care Organizations):  Paying for health care based on outcomes rather than fee-for-service is one way that health care reform is attempting to cut health care costs.

Supreme Court Oral Arguments:  Debate on the constitutionality of the individual mandate to buy health insurance begin in March, and a decision is expected by summer.

Medicare Payment Reform:  Like ACO’s, this is an attempt to cut costs by tying patient outcomes to provider payments.

2012 Election:  If Republicans win the presidency and a majority in Congress, it could affect attempts to repeal health care reform.

Health Insurance Exchanges:  States have until the end of 2012 to certify that they are ready for the 2014 implementation of exchanges.

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