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Readying for Decision on Health Care Mandate

60 views · Published 22 June 2012 · 2:42 · Indexed 26 October 2026

Channel: WTVC NewsChannel 9 · 2012 · News & Politics

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by Kevin SimsWe are preparing for a big decision that could happen as early as next week that will effect every one of us.  NewsChannel 9 will have complete coverage whenever the Supreme Court rules on the Affordable Care Act, or health care reform.  And some are already talking about what might happen."I'm hearing that it's not going to be struck down," says Rick Mathis, Director of Research and Analysis for the Ochs Center for Metropolitan Studies.  Mathis is closely watching the court's decision on healthcare.  His current interest is looking at whether rural hospitals are ready for the mandate that goes into effect in 2014.  "If you've got a physician that may be already booked with patients and now there are more people with insurance that are knocking at the door, can they handle that?" Mathis asks.The simple answer so far is no.  He's found that those smaller hospitals don't have the space or resources now, let alone if every American is covered.  The study is being performed for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee, to help the company prepare for the change.  Mathis believes at least part of the law will stand.  "For example they (the Supreme Court justices) may be able to rule against the individual mandate but then leave the reform intact."  And if that happens, it doesn't mean all his hard work is thrown out.  Insurance companies are still interested in overcrowding.  But it does mean the study might need to be tweaked.  "There's something in between that people are looking for and it's hard to figure out what that is and how we're going to get there," Mathis adds.  Of course his study doesn't look at whether or not healthcare reform should take place, just whether providers are prepared for it.Regardless of the decision, Mathis doesn't expect the debate to end.  If it's struck down he says to look for appeals.  If it's upheld, watch for Republicans to make it a major campaign issue.Whenever an opinion is released by the Supreme Court, NewsChannel 9 will have complete coverage of the decision and its effects on you and your family.

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