Late in the evening on Friday, Dec. 14, a Texas federal judge struck down the entire Affordable Care Act. It wasn’t long after that the California attorney general's office said California and other defendant states would challenge the ruling with an appeal in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.  California and the others probably will focus on the various patient protections such as coverage for pre-existing conditions. Such an approach would by necessity also include the other patient protections such as Section 2706 of the Act. What we know now is that the law will remain in place through the appeal process up to its probable hearing before the Supreme Court.

Earlier this month, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a final rule regarding health insurance provisions related to the 2010 Affordable Care Act (Act).  Among the myriad of provisions contained in the rule were several that could have an impact on chiropractic coverage.  With the rule designed to give more power to the states in determining plan structure, chiropractic state associations will need to be vigilant in monitoring state action, especially the rule’s impact on states now being able to develop essential health benefits for plans that fall under the Act’s umbrella.

*Member-Exclusive Content* The federal tax bill approved by Congress today—and on its way now to the president's desk for his signature—contains several provisions that may affect chiropractic clinics and chiropractic students. Among the massive rework of the federal tax code is language that deals with “pass through” business tax, student loans and changes to the Affordable Care Act.

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