Health care reforms put forward by U.S. President Barack Obama have passed constitutional scrutiny. In an anxiously awaited, bitterly divided 5-4 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the week before last that the bulk of the bill, put into law in 2010, can go into effect.

The decision upholds the most important piece of social legislation put forward in the United States for decades, but in a sad commentary on the static perspective of many Americans, the overwhelming majority of the commentaries and analyses have focused on the politics of the decision, rather than on its impact on health care in the country.

Experts and specialists have long called for reform of the U.S. health care system. President Bill Clinton tried to implement change in his first term in office nearly two decades ago, but that effort failed miserably. By the time Mr. Obama took office, the U.S. was spending 17.6 percent of its GDP on health care more than any other developed country an amount that had steadily risen from 12.4 percent in 1990.

While U.S. politicians claim that theirs is the best health care system in the world, statistics tell another story: Average life expectancy in the U.S. is below the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) average; its infant mortality rate is 43rd among nations; the U.S. has the highest rate of obesity among the 34 developed nations, a fact that anticipates more disease, such as heart disease and diabetes, later in life; health spending per person is more than twice that of other wealthy nations that have universal health care; and perhaps most damning of all, an estimated 50 million people do not have health insurance, while it is reckoned that half of all bankruptcy filings in the U.S. are the result of health care bills.

Yet, almost immediately after Mr. Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), more than half the state governments in the U.S. filed suits to overturn the law. They alleged that the law's mandate that individuals buy health insurance or pay a fine was an unconstitutional assertion of federal government power that it could not force individuals to take part in economic activity. They also charged that the law's expansion of Medicaid a program for low-income individuals was coercive insofar as a state's failure to abide by the new rules would forfeit federal Medicaid funds.

On June 28, the last day of the court's term, the decision came down. As anticipated, it was a 5-4 decision. Surprisingly, the swing vote was Chief Justice John Roberts, a conservative who was anticipated to have opposed the law.

Instead, he wrote the majority opinion that concluded that while the government could not compel people to engage in economic activity such as mandating them to buy insurance it could tax people who did not. (That the government preferred to not call its actions "a tax" was irrelevant; long-standing judicial principles urge judges to find reasons to support legislative action.) A 7-2 majority struck down the expansion of the Medicaid program, agreeing that such action was overly coercive.

The decision prompted predictable responses. Republicans, who have opposed the law since it was first proposed (even though they backed individual components such as the mandate during the Clinton effort), continued to insist that it was a socialist program that constituted government over-reach, would hurt the economy and would harm the provision of health care in the U.S.

Leaders of the party, including Mr. Mitt Romney, the presumed GOP presidential candidate who will challenge Mr. Obama in the November elections, have vowed to repeal the law on the first day of the new administration.

On the other side of the aisle, Democrats exulted in the constitutionality of Mr. Obama's signature legislative proposal for his first term in office.

Read the original here:

The health of America

Lost in the hype over the Supreme Court’s health care decision was a Treasury Department ruling that could affect millions of people seeking health care in the emergency room.

Read more here:

An essential health care change you may have missed

Log in to manage your products and services from The New York Times and the International Herald Tribune.

Don't have an account yet? Create an account

E-Mail or Member ID

Password

Remember Me Log In

See the article here:

Cracks Appear in Republican Unity on Health Law Repeal

July 8, 2012 11:56 pm

Health insurers are now offering consumers mobile apps that place health care and insurance information at their fingertips, enabling them to make more informed health care decisions in a way that is more convenient for them.

Typically these apps are available for smartphones or tablets such as iPhones and iPads free of charge to anyone enrolled in an insurance carrier's health benefit plan.

Health care mobile apps offer information on a variety of health and wellness topics and enable consumers to manage their health care needs and expenses, including:

Contacting a registered nurse 24/7 for information regarding any kind of medical topic.

Downloading the health plan ID card to their smartphone, and emailing or faxing the card directly from the mobile device to a physician's office or hospital.

Saving information about their favorite care providers and personal notes from each doctor's visit.

Locating nearby physicians, hospitals, emergency rooms and urgent care centers using the smartphone's GPS function.

Requesting a callback from the health insurance carrier on specific questions they may have about their claims and benefits.

Viewing information on the status of deductible and out-of-pocket spending, and checking account balances for health reimbursement, flexible spending and health savings accounts.

View original post here:

Business workshop: New apps for health care

Indiana's decision to deny Planned Parenthood Medicaid funds because it performs abortions denies women the freedom to choose their health care providers, a federal hearing officer said.

Excerpt from:

Medicaid official rules against Ind. abortion law

(AP) INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana's decision to deny Planned Parenthood Medicaid funds because it performs abortions denies women the freedom to choose their health care providers, a federal hearing officer said.

The state had asked the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in Chicago to reconsider its June 2011 ruling that found changes in Indiana's Medicaid plan unacceptable. But a hearing officer recommended in documents released Friday that a CMS administrator uphold the agency's initial decision.

The changes to Indiana's plan resulted from a 2011 law that would have made the state the first to deny the organization Medicaid funds for general health services, including cancer screenings. The law has been on hold while the dispute works its way through the courts.

The Indiana attorney general's office, which already is appealing a federal judge's order blocking the law, said it may also contest the panel's recommendation. The state had argued that the dispute should be decided administratively by the CMS, not in court.

"Because this is a recommendation, the Attorney General's Office has a chance to file an exception to it before the CMS administrator makes a final decision," the agency said in a statement.

Planned Parenthood of Indiana said it was gratified by the decision.

"Through its appeal, the State was continuing its attack on women's rights and attempting to restrict access to basic, lifesaving services such as Pap tests, breast exams, STD testing and treatment, and birth control," Betty Cockrum, chief executive officer of Planned Parenthood of Indiana, said in a statement.

Judge blocks N.C. Planned Parenthood cut Planned Parenthood defunding law blocked in Kan. Law defunding Ind. Planned Parenthood blocked

While Planned Parenthood officials had feared they might have to close some of the organization's 28 clinics in Indiana or suspend some services because of a loss of Medicaid funds, that has not happened so far. Cockrum has said about 9,300 women rely on Planned Parenthood for their health care.

Indiana had argued that Medicaid funds intended to help groups like Planned Parenthood provide general health care would indirectly subsidize abortions. The Hyde Amendment, a 1976 provision named after the late Rep. Henry Hyde, R-Ill., bans all federal funds for abortion except in cases of rape, incest or when the life of the mother is at risk.

See the original post:

Medicaid rules against Indiana anti-abortion law

WASHINGTON -- The Supreme Court's decision to uphold most of President Barack Obama's health care law will come home to roost for most taxpayers in about 2 1/2 years, when they'll have to start providing proof on their tax returns that they have health insurance.

That scenario puts the Internal Revenue Service at the center of the debate, renewing questions about whether the agency is capable of policing the health care decisions of millions of people in the United States while also collecting the taxes needed to run the federal government.

Under the law, the IRS will provide tax breaks and incentives to help pay for health insurance and impose penalties on some people who don't buy coverage and on some businesses that don't offer it to employees.

The changes will require new regulations, forms and publications, new computer programs and a big new outreach program to explain it all to taxpayers and tax professionals. Businesses that don't claim an exemption will have to prove they offer health insurance to employees.

The health care law "includes the largest set of tax law changes in more than 20 years," according to the Treasury inspector general who oversees the IRS. The agency will have to hire thousands of workers to manage it, requiring significant budget increases that already are being targeted by congressional Republicans determined to dismantle the president's signature initiative.

"Knowing the complexity of the health law, there's no question

Treasury spokeswoman Sabrina Siddiqui said, "The overwhelming majority of funds used by the agency to implement the Affordable Care Act go to administer the premium tax credits, which will be a tax cut averaging about $4,000 for more than 20 million middle-class people and families."

The Supreme Court, in its 5-4 ruling, upheld the mandate that most Americans get health insurance. The majority said Congress has the power to enforce the mandate under its taxing authority. The decision labeled the penalties a tax, noting that they will be collected by the IRS.

Those who don't get qualified health insurance will be required to pay the penalty -- or tax -- starting for the 2014 tax year, unless they are exempt because of low income, religious beliefs, or because they are members of American Indian tribes.

The penalty will be fully phased in by 2016, when it will be $695 for each uninsured adult or 2.5 percent of family income, whichever is greater, up to $12,500. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that 4 million people will pay the penalty that year.

Read more:

Tax man set to police Americans on health insurance

TRENTON At 61 years old, K Ka had spent most of his life in prison.

His decades behind bars kept him from learning about life on the outside, including matters of mental health. Diagnosed with schizophrenia and suffering from bouts of paranoia, Ka didnt understand what was going wrong with him.

I had a mental illness and I didnt know it, he said. Its like youve got something wrong with you, but you dont know what it is. They say, This is your diagnosis, but you dont know what it is. Youre paranoid. Okay, what does that mean? Youre schizophrenic. Okay, whats that?

As he was approaching his release date three years ago, Ka connected with the counselors of Greater Trenton Behavioral Health Care, an agency that coaches people with histories of serious mental illness to live more independently.

The agencys supportive housing program helps clients to make doctors appointments, attend therapy sessions and track medications. Started in 2006 with just 12 clients, the program is now helping Ka and more than 200 others to gain what might be the greatest of medical benefits a home.

Greater Trenton is working with the two-year-old Trenton Health Team, a collaboration among the city, local hospitals, clinics and social service organizations that is trying to stem the high rates of emergency room visits in the city. What the team and its cohorts are repeatedly finding is that the sickest, most expensive patients are often also homeless.

Closely integrating housing and medical care is a growing trend, said Ruth Perry, executive director of the health team. The Trenton Health Team is working very hard to understand the health needs of our homeless residents, and looks forward to collaborating with our community partners to end the scourge of homelessness so that the homeless residents of Trenton can have better health and a better quality of life.

Greater Trentons supportive housing program helps former inmates, rehabilitated patients from state hospitals and other individuals with serious mental illnesses who are at risk of homelessness.

A NORMAL LIFE

I had been in prison for 35 years of my life, Ka said. This is the longest I have ever been out of prison, since I was like 10 years old.

See the rest here:

Trenton health care program gives a home to former inmates and patients with mental illnesses

Nancy Pelosi Speaker John Boehner Jerrold Nadler

"Today, in upholding the Affordable Care Act, the Supreme Court has shown that, even at a time when Washington seems to have reached a new level of dysfunction, there remains a respect for the rule of law, for precedent, and for the ability of Congress to legislate on matters that affect the American people," Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) said in a statement. "By not caving in to the most craven political calls, it appears the Court has stood by more than 70 years of legal precedent to ensure that: some 32 million Americans will have access to health insurance; we stop the unnecessary deaths of 42,000 Americans annually who die simply because they lack health insurance; insurers can no longer deny a child health care because of pre-existing conditions; millions of young adults receive coverage on their parents' plans until age 26; insurers can no longer impose lifetime limits on coverage; millions of Americans receive free preventive care; and, seniors save billions of dollars on prescription drugs. "The Affordable Care Act will now assume its rightful place, along with Social Security and Medicare, as powerful testimony to what our nation can achieve to benefit the lives of all Americans. Today's decision will, I truly hope, put to rest the partisan attacks from the Right against the law and many of its provisions. Republicans have threatened to continue their attempts to repeal these provisions, but let us all hope that they will respect the Court's ruling and put the health and wellbeing of the American people ahead of insurance companies."

"Today's decision makes one thing clear: Congress must act to repeal this misguided law," said Sen. Republican Leader Mitch McConnell. "Obamacare has not only limited choices and increased health care costs for American families, it has made it harder for American businesses to hire. Today's decision does nothing to diminish the fact that Obamacare's mandates, tax hikes, and Medicare cuts should be repealed and replaced with common sense reforms that lower costs and that the American people actually want. It is my hope that with new leadership in the White House and Senate, we can enact these step-by-step solutions and prevent further damage from this terrible law."

Republican Governors Association Chairman Bob McDonnell issued the following statement regarding the Supreme Court's decision to uphold the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act: "Today's ruling crystallizes all that's at stake in November's election. The only way to stop Barack Obama's budget-busting health care takeover is by electing a new president. Barack Obama's health care takeover encapsulates his Presidency: Obamacare increases taxes, grows the size of government and puts bureaucrats over patients while doing nothing to improve the economy. It's never been more important that we elect a President who understands the marketplace and will make job creation his top priority. By replacing Barack Obama with Mitt Romney, we will not only stop the federal government's healthcare takeover, but will also take a giant step towards a full economic recovery."

"Dr. Coburn will be reviewing the ruling and will respond with an updated plan to repeal and replace this unworkable law. The Court affirmed Congress' power to tax people if they don't eat their broccoli. Now it's up to the American people to decide whether they will tolerate this obscene abuse of individual liberty," said John Hart, a spokesman for Sen. Coburn.

"Today's Supreme Court decision sets the stakes for the November election. Now, the only way to save the country from ObamaCare's budget-busting government takeover of health care is to elect a new president," said RNC Chairman Reince Priebus. "Under President Obama's signature legislation, health care costs continue to skyrocket, and up to 20 million Americans could lose their employer-based coverage. A panel of unelected bureaucrats now has the unprecedented authority to come between elderly patients and their doctors. Meanwhile, the rules and regulations placed on job creators and small businesses make it nearly impossible to hire new workers at a time when Americans desperately need jobs. "We need market-based solutions that give patients more choice, not less. The answer to rising health care costs is not, and will never be, Big Government. "We must elect a president who understands the economy, respects free enterprise, and can provide the leadership we now so desperately need. On Election Day, we must elect Mitt Romney and put America on the path toward a brighter economic future and successful health care reform."

Today, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) released the following statement on the Supreme Court ruling on the President's health care law: "The Supreme Court's decision to uphold ObamaCare is a crushing blow to patients throughout the country. ObamaCare has failed to keep the President's basic promise of allowing those who like their health care to keep it, while increasing costs and reducing access to quality care for patients. In this tough economy, jobs and economic growth are on the minds of most Americans, but ObamaCare has increased uncertainty for small businessmen and women and forced them to put their hiring decisions on hold. "During the week of July 9th, the House will once again repeal ObamaCare, clearing the way for patient-centered reforms that lower costs and increase choice. We support an approach that offers simpler, more affordable and more accessible health care that allows people to keep the health care that they like. "The Court's decision brings into focus the choice the American people have about the direction of our country. The President and his party believe in massive government intrusions that increase costs and take decisions away from patients. In contrast, Republicans believe in patient-centered, affordable care where health care decisions are made by patients, their families and their doctors, not by the federal government."

House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today after the Supreme Court's decision on the Affordable Care Act: "Our highest court has weighed in, and its decision to uphold the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is a victory for all Americans who have ever worried about being able to access or afford the care they need. Democrats are proud to have worked hard to pass this landmark legislation in 2010 and of our efforts to make sure it is implemented in a way that continues to yield new benefits for patients, employers, and care providers. "The Affordable Care Act made it illegal for insurance companies to discriminate against patients on the basis of pre-existing conditions, allowed young people to remain on their parents' plans until age 26, and prohibited insurance companies from charging women higher premiums than men. The Medicare Part D 'donut hole' is closing, and seniors on Medicare now have access to free preventive services like mammograms and colonoscopies. Moreover, the Affordable Care Act provides deficit savings of more than $1 trillion over the next two decades. The Affordable Care Act further brought peace of mind to the 30 million uninsured Americans who will finally be able to access affordable coverage once the law is fully implemented. "Republicans have been trying to repeal the Affordable Care Act since the day it was enacted, and they have been eagerly awaiting today's ruling. But they must now accept that the Affordable Care Act will remain in place and that the time for litigation and partisan posturing on this issue ought to come to an end. Republicans now have a responsibility to work with Democrats to implement the Affordable Care Act, and I call on them to do so in order to make care affordable and accessible to Americans."

Following the Supreme Court's decision affirming the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act, former Governor and U.S. Senate candidate Tim Kaine today released the following statement: "The Affordable Care Act is an important first step in curbing discriminatory insurance company practices and increasing access to health care, but more needs to be done to bring down costs. Our government, businesses, and citizens cannot continue to spend more than any other nation on health care while getting second-rate results. As Senator, I am committed to working with all stakeholders to find additional improvements to the Affordable Care Act that give all Americans affordable access to high quality services. "While there is more work to do, it is worth noting what has already been accomplished under the Affordable Care Act. Nearly 63,000 more young people in Virginia have health coverage, more than 800,000 Virginia seniors have received free preventive care, millions of small businesses are now eligible for tax credits, and twenty million American women have access to cancer screenings and contraception without co-pays. And we've put an end to the egregious abuses by insurance companies that denied coverage to children with preexisting conditions, charged women higher premiums for the same coverage, and dropped folks when they got sick. "My opponent regularly calls for a full repeal of this law, despite the positive results it's already delivering for Virginia. In the decade encompassing George Allen's six years as a U.S. Senator, the average insurance premium for families more than doubled and over 12 million more Americans were uninsured. Clearly, inaction was not a solution, and neither are continued calls for repeal. Instead we must work together to strengthen this existing program and improve cost controls."

"In passing health reform, we made history for our nation and progress for the American people. We completed the unfinished business of our society and strengthened the character of our country. We ensured health care would be a right for all, not a privilege for the few. Today, the Supreme Court affirmed our progress and protected that right, securing a future of health and economic security for the middle class and for every American."

Go here to read the rest:

John Roberts Health Care Switch Sparks 'Deep' Supreme Court 'Discord': CBS News (VIDEO)

July 8, 2012

By STEPHEN OHLEMACHER, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Supreme Court's decision to uphold most of President Barack Obama's health care law will come home to roost for most taxpayers in about two-and-a-half years, when they'll have to start providing proof on their tax returns that they have health insurance.

That scenario puts the Internal Revenue Service at the center of the debate, renewing questions about whether the agency is capable of policing the health care decisions of millions of people in the United States while also collecting the taxes needed to run the federal government.

Under the law, the IRS will provide tax breaks and incentives to help pay for health insurance and impose penalties on some people who don't buy coverage and on some businesses that don't offer it to employees.

The changes will require new regulations, forms and publications, new computer programs and a big new outreach program to explain it all to taxpayers and tax professionals. Businesses that don't claim an exemption will have to prove they offer health insurance to employees.

The health care law "includes the largest set of tax law changes in more than 20 years," according to the Treasury inspector general who oversees the IRS. The agency will have to hire thousands of workers to manage it, requiring significant budget increases that already are being targeted by congressional Republicans determined to dismantle the president's signature initiative.

"Knowing the complexity of the health law, there's no question that the IRS is going to struggle with this," said Rep. Charles Boustany Jr., R-La., chairman of the House Ways and Means oversight subcommittee. "The IRS wants more resources. Well, we need to start digging down into what are they doing with the resources and personnel."

Treasury spokeswoman Sabrina Siddiqui said, "The overwhelming majority of funds used by the agency to implement the Affordable Care Act go to administer the premium tax credits, which will be a tax cut averaging about $4,000 for more than 20 million middle-class people and families."

The Supreme Court, in its 5-4 ruling, upheld the mandate that most Americans get health insurance. The majority said Congress has the power to enforce the mandate under its taxing authority. The decision labeled the penalties a tax, noting that they will be collected by the IRS.

More:

On health care: The tax man cometh

Health care reform will kill jobs in the United States. Or it will save taxpayers $1.3 trillion.

Read the original here:

Fact Checker: Needless falsehood on both sides of health debate

1:00 AM

By Steve Mistler smistler@pressherald.com Staff Writer

Gov. Paul LePage used his weekly radio address Saturday to blast President Barack Obama's health care law and described the Internal Revenue Service as the "new Gestapo."

The IRS description was a reference to a provision in the Affordable Care Act that requires most Americans to buy health insurance or pay an annual penalty when filing their tax returns. The provision, known more broadly as the individual mandate, was the subject of a multi-state lawsuit but was recently upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court.

LePage said the court decision has "made America less free."

"We the people have been told there is no choice," he said. "You must buy health insurance or pay the new Gestapo -- the IRS."

Maine Democratic Party Chairman Ben Grant, responding to LePage's remarks, said, "We've come to expect a bunch of nonsense from Gov. LePage, but this is a step too far. There appears now to be no limit to the extreme language he will use to misinform, degrade and insult people. Somebody needs to explain to him that he's the governor of a state, and not a talk radio host. I demand a full apology on behalf of all those who suffered at the hands of the real Gestapo."

"There is nothing that degrades politics more than purported leaders who so cavalierly invoke the worst in human history when they can't get their way in legitimate, modern policy disagreements," Grant said.

The debate about the mandate has become a political flash point since the health law was enacted. Republicans maintain that the requirement is an unfair tax. Democrats say the mandate was originally a Republican idea born from the conservative Heritage Foundation, which introduced the measure in 1989 as a counterpoint to calls for a single-payer health care system.

The Gestapo was Nazi Germany's official secret police under Adolf Hitler. It imprisoned and murdered thousands of people without cause.

Continue reading here:

LePage attacks health care law, IRS

In theory, the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to uphold President Barack Obama's health care law would appear to be a clear win for the president's re-election chances in Virginia and for Democrats in general.

But turning a legal victory into political capital in the commonwealth is not a guarantee.

Working off vehement disapproval of the law among the GOP's more conservative wing, Republicans are cashing in on the high court's ruling and attempting to build momentum in Virginia's key races.

Democrats, meanwhile, are rallying around the court victory, claiming the decisive vote from conservative Chief Justice John Roberts gives the law new credibility in the eyes of independents and moderates.

And the decision has been a fundraising boon for both parties.

In the 24 hours after the decision broke, Romney's campaign raised $4.6 million from more than 47,000 donors nationwide, according to campaign officials. In Virginia, nearly 2,000 donors more than 60 percent of whom had never donated to the Romney campaign before contributed close to $200,000.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, meanwhile, says it raised more than $2.3 million since the ruling, with Saturday being the biggest grass-roots fundraising day in its history. The amount raised in Virginia since the ruling was not available.

Two days after the June 28 ruling, the coordinated Victory 2012 effort between the Romney camp and the Republican Party of Virginia opened several offices across the state and also gained 1,500 new volunteers.

"I've been around politics and campaigns for 20 years, and I've never seen an uptick or surge like we've experienced since the decision," said Pete Snyder, chairman of the Victory 2012 effort.

"If our troops were at an eight or a nine on an intensity scale, they're at a 15 now," Snyder added, saying that while he was disappointed in the ruling, it was "liquid gold for the campaign."

See the original post here:

Democrats, Republicans using health care ruling to raise funds

1:00 AM

BY STEPHEN OHLEMACHER, Associated Press

WASHINGTON -- The Supreme Court's decision to uphold most of President Barack Obama's health care law will come home to roost for most taxpayers in about 2 1/2 years, when they'll have to start providing proof on their tax returns that they have health insurance.

That scenario puts the Internal Revenue Service at the center of the debate, renewing questions about whether the agency is capable of policing the health care decisions of millions of people in the United States while also collecting the taxes needed to run the federal government.

Under the law, the IRS will provide tax breaks and incentives to help pay for health insurance and impose penalties on some people who don't buy coverage and on some businesses that don't offer it to employees.

The changes will require new regulations, forms and publications, new computer programs and a big new outreach program to explain it all to taxpayers and tax professionals. Businesses that don't claim an exemption will have to prove they offer health insurance to employees.

The health care law "includes the largest set of tax law changes in more than 20 years," according to the Treasury inspector general who oversees the IRS. The agency will have to hire thousands of workers to manage it, requiring significant budget increases that already are being targeted by congressional Republicans determined to dismantle the president's signature initiative.

"Knowing the complexity of the health law, there's no question that the IRS is going to struggle with this," said Rep. Charles Boustany Jr., R-La., chairman of the House Ways and Means oversight subcommittee. "The IRS wants more resources. Well, we need to start digging down into what are they doing with the resources and personnel."

Treasury spokeswoman Sabrina Siddiqui said, "The overwhelming majority of funds used by the agency to implement the Affordable Care Act go to administer the premium tax credits, which will be a tax cut averaging about $4,000 for more than 20 million middle-class people and families."

The Supreme Court, in its 5-4 ruling, upheld the mandate that most Americans get health insurance. The majority said Congress has the power to enforce the mandate under its taxing authority. The decision labeled the penalties a tax, noting that they will be collected by the IRS.

Read more:

Enforcing health care law to be a mammoth task

AP file photoHouse Ways and Means Committee Chairman David Camp, R-Mich., walks to his office on Capitol Hill in Washington. The Supreme Courts decision to uphold most of President Barack Obamas health care law puts the Internal Revenue Service at the center of the debate, renewing questions about whether the agency is capable of policing the health care decisions of millions of Americans while also collecting the taxes needed to fund the federal government.

WASHINGTON The Supreme Courts decision to uphold most of President Barack Obamas health care law will come home to roost for most taxpayers in about two years, when theyll have to start providing proof on their tax returns that they have health insurance.

That scenario puts the Internal Revenue Service at the center of the debate, renewing questions about whether the agency is capable of policing the health care decisions of millions of people in the United States while also collecting the taxes needed to run the federal government.

Under the law, the IRS will provide tax breaks and incentives to help pay for health insurance and impose penalties on some people who dont buy coverage and on some businesses that dont offer it to employees.

The changes will require new regulations, forms and publications, new computer programs and a big new outreach program to explain it all to taxpayers and tax professionals. Businesses that dont claim an exemption will have to prove they offer health insurance to employees.

The health care law includes the largest set of tax law changes in more than 20 years, according to the Treasury inspector general who oversees the IRS. The agency will have to hire thousands of workers to manage it, requiring significant budget increases that already are being targeted by congressional Republicans determined to dismantle the presidents signature initiative.

Knowing the complexity of the health law, theres no question that the IRS is going to struggle with this, said Rep. Charles Boustany Jr., R-La., chairman of the House Ways and Means oversight subcommittee. The IRS wants more resources. Well, we need to start digging down into what are they doing with the resources and personnel.

Treasury spokeswoman Sabrina Siddiqui said, The overwhelming majority of funds used by the agency to implement the Affordable Care Act go to administer the premium tax credits, which will be a tax cut averaging about $4,000 for more than 20 million middle-class people and families.

The Supreme Court, in its 5-4 ruling, upheld the mandate that most Americans get health insurance. The majority said Congress has the power to enforce the mandate under its taxing authority. The decision labeled the penalties a tax, noting that they will be collected by the IRS.

Those who dont get qualified health insurance will be required to pay the penalty or tax starting for the 2014 tax year, unless they are exempt because of low income, religious beliefs, or because they are members of American Indian tribes.

Link:

Passage of health care law puts spotlight on the IRS

06-07-2012 20:56 New York Times columnist David Brooks and Washington Post columnist EJ Dionne discuss the week's top political news, including the dismal June jobs report, why the stimulus recovery plan hasn't had a greater effect, and Mitt Romney's health care message and evolving relationship with the conservative base.

See the original post:

Brooks, Dionne on Jobs Report, Romney's Health Care Message - Video

By STEPHEN OHLEMACHER Associated Press twitter.com/stephenatap

WASHINGTON The Supreme Courts decision to uphold most of President Barack Obamas health care law will come home to roost for most taxpayers in about 2 years, when theyll have to start providing proof on their tax returns that they have health insurance.

That scenario puts the Internal Revenue Service at the center of the debate, renewing questions about whether the agency is capable of policing the health care decisions of millions of people in the United States while also collecting the taxes needed to run the federal government.

Under the law, the IRS will provide tax breaks and incentives to help pay for health insurance and impose penalties on some people who dont buy coverage and on some businesses that dont offer it to employees.

The changes will require new regulations, forms and publications, new computer programs and a big new outreach program to explain it all to taxpayers and tax professionals. Businesses that dont claim an exemption will have to prove they offer health insurance to employees.

The health care law includes the largest set of tax law changes in more than 20 years, according to the Treasury inspector general who oversees the IRS. The agency will have to hire thousands of workers to manage it, requiring significant budget increases that already are being targeted by congressional Republicans determined to dismantle the presidents signature initiative.

Knowing the complexity of the health law, theres no question that the IRS is going to struggle with this, said Rep. Charles Boustany Jr., R-La., chairman of the House Ways and Means oversight subcommittee. The IRS wants more resources. Well, we need to start digging down into what are they doing with the resources and personnel.

Treasury spokeswoman Sabrina Siddiqui said, The overwhelming majority of funds used by the agency to implement the Affordable Care Act go to administer the premium tax credits, which will be a tax cut averaging about $4,000 for more than 20 million middle-class people and families.

The Supreme Court, in its 5-4 ruling on June 28, upheld the mandate that most Americans get health insurance. The majority, including Chief Justice John Roberts, said Congress has the power to enforce the mandate under its taxing authority. The decision labeled the penalties a tax, noting they will be collected by the IRS.

View post:

Policing compliance with health care law will fall largely to IRS

OREM-- Several doctors, dentists and other health care providers in Utah Valley will be honored Monday night by Community Health Connect at the Orem Owlz baseball game. CHC is holding it third annual Family Night for the employees of the medical and dental offices who volunteer their time and services to help low-income and uninsured residents get the care they need. According to CHC, volunteer services for the year 2011 included 280 health care professionals helping more than 750 patients by donating more than 3,000 appointments valued at more than $1 million.

Families and employees of those that have donated services will be treated to a pre-game tailgate barbecue and tickets to the game.

"This is just a thank you for the doctors and dentists that donate," said Starr Stratford, executive director at Community Health Connect. "They don't get a lot of benefit except that it feels good to donate, they do it because they are good people and this gives us a chance to tell them thanks and let them know how much we appreciate what they do."

Five of the many local health care professionals will be spotlighted between innings at the baseball game at Brent Brown Ball Field at UVU starting at 7:05 p.m.

Those being honored include Rod Angus, owner of Angus Dental Labs. Angus has donated more than 35 crowns since beginning work with CHC in 2011. Dr. Karl Weenig specialized in sports medicine and orthopedic care, donating to more than 20 patients needing specialized care this year. Dr. Jennifer Tittensor is a general surgeon who works with Utah County Surgical Associates in American Fork performing a wide variety of surgeries ranging from hernia repair to gallbladder removal. Tittensor has volunteered with CHC for more than five years, providing surgery for more than 40 patients.

Dr. Duane Nelson, ophthalmologist at Utah Valley Eye Center, has donated his time for more than seven years. Nelson says he does it because of the great need in the community.

"I think there is a lot of folks who have need for health care who can't afford it for various reasons and this is just a good way to be able to help," Nelson said. "It is a good thing, helps society out and I just know that we all face various challenges and needs and this is one way of sort of paying it forward or giving it back to those who have helped me along the way."

Dr. Jason Allan, an instructor at the Utah College of Dental Hygiene, will throw out the first pitch on Monday. The college has donated more than 400 appointments to patients in need of dental care.

"There really are people who don't have access to care so these are really vital services for the community and a section of the population that otherwise wouldn't be receiving services," Stratford said. "These doctors help provide speciality medical care in their own offices and it is a lot less expensive for the whole community."

Community Health Connect is a non-profit health agency in Utah County that connects low-income, uninsured Utah County residents with volunteer doctors and dentists throughout the community who see qualifying patients free of charge in their own offices. More information on Community Health Connect can be found at http://www.communityhealthconnect.org.

View post:

Local health care providers to be honored at baseball game

WASHINGTONThe Supreme Court's decision to uphold most of President Barack Obama's health care law will come home to roost for most taxpayers in about 2 1/2 years, when they'll have to start providing proof on their tax returns that they have health insurance.

That scenario puts the Internal Revenue Service at the center of the debate, renewing questions about whether the agency is capable of policing the health care decisions of millions of people in the United States while also collecting the taxes needed to run the federal government.

Under the law, the IRS will provide tax breaks and incentives to help pay for health insurance and impose penalties on some people who don't buy coverage and on some businesses that don't offer it to employees.

The changes will require new regulations, forms and publications, new computer programs and a big new outreach program to explain it all to taxpayers and tax professionals. Businesses that don't claim an exemption will have to prove they offer health insurance to employees.

The health care law "includes the largest set of tax law changes in more than 20 years," according to the Treasury inspector general who oversees the IRS. The agency will have to hire thousands of workers to manage it, requiring significant budget increases that already are being targeted by congressional Republicans determined to dismantle the president's signature initiative.

"Knowing the complexity of the health law, there's no question that the IRS is going to struggle with this," said Rep. Charles Boustany Jr., R-La., chairman of the House Ways and Means oversight subcommittee. "The IRS wants more resources. Well, we need to start digging down into what are they doing with the resources and personnel."

Treasury spokeswoman Sabrina Siddiqui said, "The overwhelming majority of funds used by the agency to implement the Affordable Care Act go to administer the premium tax credits, which will be a tax cut averaging about $4,000 for more than 20 million middle-class people and families."

The Supreme Court, in its 5-4 ruling, upheld the mandate that most Americans get health insurance. The majority said Congress has the power to enforce the mandate under its taxing authority. The decision labeled the penalties a tax, noting that they will be collected by the IRS.

Those who don't get qualified health insurance will be required to pay the penalty -- or tax -- starting for the 2014 tax year, unless they are exempt because of low income, religious beliefs, or because they are members of American Indian tribes.

The penalty will be fully phased in by 2016, when it will be $695 for each uninsured adult or 2.5 percent of family income, whichever is greater, up to $12,500. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that 4 million people will pay the penalty that year.

See the original post:

The tax man cometh to police you on health care

Police: Shunick suspect not cooperating Police: Shunick suspect not cooperating

Updated: Friday, July 6 2012 4:50 PM EDT2012-07-06 20:50:31 GMT

Updated: Thursday, July 5 2012 11:06 AM EDT2012-07-05 15:06:06 GMT

Updated: Friday, July 6 2012 8:00 PM EDT2012-07-07 00:00:06 GMT

Updated: Friday, July 6 2012 5:27 PM EDT2012-07-06 21:27:00 GMT

Updated: Friday, July 6 2012 2:15 PM EDT2012-07-06 18:15:26 GMT

As health care providers await the state's plan to cut $859 million from the Medicaid program over the next two years, many are worrying.

Louisiana Hospital Association President John Matessino says that Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration must act quickly because a longer delay will mean deeper cuts over a shorter period of time.

Supported Living Network executive Bruce Blaney wants the Legislature to convene a special session to repeal some tax exemptions, as well as to tap health care trust funds.

The Medicaid program is funded by a combination of federal and state money, paying for health services for the poor, uninsured, disabled and elderly. The cuts mean an 11 percent reduction from the $7.7 billion Medicaid budget that had been planned for the fiscal year.

Follow this link:

La. health care providers brace for Medicaid cuts