March 24, 2017—The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) acknowledges the difficulties associated with implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), passed in 2010. Many exchanges are down to only one plan available to consumers and premiums have skyrocketed since the law has been in effect.
“The bill considered today by the U.S. House of Representatives needs further work to truly enhance patient access to affordable conservative care,” said ACA President David Herd, DC. “The American Chiropractic Association is particularly concerned with the repeal of the essential health benefits provision within PPACA, which outlines the list of benefits plans in the exchange and the private markets must contain. Our greatest concern is that the only affordable plans that will be available will contain minimal coverage, limiting patient access to chiropractors and other providers who offer non-drug, noninvasive conservative approaches to health care.”
It is uncertain at this time when Congress will again look to repeal and replace all or parts of PPACA. The administration may try to dismantle the law through the regulatory process, or Congress may look to chip away at the law using smaller, targeted efforts.
“There was little opportunity for stakeholder input throughout this process,” Herd stated. “We remain ready to work with the Administration and Congress on issues to protect the millions of patients who have coverage and to ensure access to cost-effective, conservative treatments provided by doctors of chiropractic.”
