Rochester, N.Y. – The defeat of the father of so-called Romneycare all but assured the complete rollout of so-called Obamacare.
Politics aside, this triggers practical questions of implementation.
Hospitals, for example, will see lower reimbursements and a host of changes to enhance efficiencies.
Steven Goldstein, CEO of Strong Memorial and Highland Hospitals, said it has been, and will continue to be, his responsibility to implement the law.
“Hospitals will be reshaped,” Goldstein said, adding he supports that reconfiguration and modernization. “All components of healthcare system work together to provide high quality cost-effective care to their public and I think that’s a good thing.”
As for those health exchanges in which people and businesses can group together to buy insurance, New York State appears well ahead of other states in developing them.
“There’s a lot of work to be done between now and 2014, but we’re confidant that it’ll get done,” said Jim Redmond of Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Small businesses must also adjust.
Some business owners are looking forward to a tax credit to buy insurance, while others, like those who own Sticky Lips, fear the worst.
“We’ll be hiring more part-time employees,” said Laurie Nielsen, wife of the owner of Sticky Lips. “From us personally we don’t know how we’ll be able to provide healthcare for over 200 employees.”
Though much of the Affordable Care Act has yet to take effect, some of it has, including a popular part that ensures coverage for people with pre-existing conditions.
