FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 23, 2012
(Washington, D.C.) – Today marks the second anniversary of the enactment of the "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act" (Affordable Care Act) (Public Law 111-148). Over the past two years our health care system has begun the process of implementing initial reforms established by this historic law. As a result, millions of patients and our health care system are benefiting.
Since the enactment of the Affordable Care Act, millions of patients are no longer denied access to health care insurance as a result of pre-existing conditions, young adults are able to remain on their parents' health insurance, insurance companies are prohibited from dropping coverage as the result of adverse health conditions, and patients no longer face annual and lifetime limits on health benefits. These reforms historically have enjoyed strong bipartisan support and their benefits to patients are now being realized.
The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) continues to support numerous provisions in the law that began the necessary reforms in our nation’s health care delivery system. Today, our delivery system is adopting and implementing patient-centered reforms that place greater emphasis on continuous, comprehensive, and coordinated care. Additionally, we are making the necessary investments in primary care through increased payments, additional funding for education and training, and substantive work to reform the delivery system to place greater emphasis on prevention and coordinated care. Through the work of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI), we are beginning to see the true benefits of these delivery system reforms.
While much work remains, the AOA believes that the Affordable Care Act is making a difference in the lives of millions of patients and is improving our health care system. We look forward to working with the Administration to continue the successful implementation of the law and working with Congress to address those areas that remain unresolved. Through collaboration, we can advance policies that increase access to care, improve the quality of health for individual patients, and achieve reduced costs for individuals and payers.
About the American Osteopathic Association
The American Osteopathic Association proudly represents more than 78,000 osteopathic physicians (DOs) practicing in 31 specialties and subspecialties; promotes public health; encourages scientific research, serves as the primary certifying body for DOs; is the accrediting agency for osteopathic medical colleges; and has federal authority to accredit hospitals and other health care facilities. More information on DOs/osteopathic medicine can be found at www.osteopathic.org.
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Media Contact:
Leann Fox
Director of Washington Advocacy and Communications
(202) 414-0144
lfox@osteopathic.org