The U.S. Supreme Court recently considered arguments to remove federal subsidies from states such as Ohio, in which health insurance is purchased on exchanges created by the federal government rather than the state.
As a primary-care provider in Columbus, I am deeply concerned about the adverse effects that removing these subsidies would have on my patients.
I treat many patients as a result of the Affordable Care Act. Some of these patients have not seen a provider in decades and have complicated health problems, such as diabetes, that they previously were unable to address. Other patients are young, healthy individuals who are taking advantage of the Affordable Care Act’s emphasis on preventive treatment.
With these patients, we have the chance to prevent disease rather than treat its consequences.
With both groups, treating them now avoids dealing with more serious issues down the road.
I recognize the Affordable Care Act is far from the perfect solution. Some of my patients have been forced to leave providers they had seen for years because their insurance changed under the law. Others are unable to undergo specific tests because their deductibles are too high and they cannot afford it. Both scenarios are frustrating for patients and create significant barriers to care.
Still, if the U.S. Supreme Court abolishes subsidies in Ohio, it will leave many of my patients, and 200,000 Ohioans, stranded. Some of those patients will lose coverage.
Others will be forced to change providers for the second time in as many years, and there will be even more barriers to patients seeking care.
Fortunately, we as Ohioans can do something about this: We can encourage the legislature to start work now to make sure that if this does occur, Ohio is able to implement a state exchange that will protect its citizens and keep them healthy.
I encourage readers to contact their representatives today to urge them to do so.
Date: March 10, 2015