ALBANY -- The mid-term elections gave leadership of the House to the Republicans but may offer states and healthcare providers something of a challenge.
Since March when President Obama signed it into law, states like NY have been actively gearing up for changes required by the legislation. For example, New York is home to a host of so-called "demonstration programs" – programs with a limited roll-out, that need to be up & running by January first.
Chris Gibson, newly elected Congressman for 20th District says, " I think we need to repeal the bill."
Newly minted House Republicans, like Chris Gibson of the 20th Congressional district, are demanding that the House take a vote on repealing and replacing the bill, though they may face some political realities.
Courtney Burke, Director of the Rockefeller Institute’s New York State Health Policy Research Center says, "An all out repeal is unlikely given that Congress is split, but they can “starve the beast” which means they can provide less funding for the agencies that carry out the legislation”
And that's the big problem because states like New York and healthcare providers like nursing homes and hospitals have already begun a galactic shift in momentum. If funding to agencies supporting these changes is cut off, it could mean putting the kibosh on a variety of reforms already in the works.
Director Burke adds, "Making sure that there is adequate staff to enroll people in public insurance programs. Making sure that insurance companies are complying with regulations under that legislation.”
Congressman elect Gibson understands the dilemma institutions face. "Of course organizations are going to have to take steps to be in compliance with the law”, he says.
Nevertheless, he is committed to repealing and replacing the law, which leaves states like New York, as well as hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare providers with no clear sight-lines into the future of healthcare.
