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HFM is READY for reform!
Article written by: Scott McMeans,
HFM Administrative Director Strategic Implementation
Last month, we all waited with bated breath to see how the Supreme Court would rule on the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). With a split decision, the announcement came in favor of the ACA, a decision that had mixed public and political opinion.
One change that did occur in the law, however, dealt with part of the law involving Medicaid. The law calls for an expansion of eligibility for Medicaid, which involves spending by the federal government and the states. The law threatens to remove existing Medicaid funding from states that don't participate in the expansion. The high court said the government must remove that threat and pulled it from the law.
Other key provisions that will stand include keeping the individual mandate on having insurance. This mandate will begin with penalties at $285 per family in 2014 and will increase to $2085 by 2016 for those without insurance. Another provision is State health care exchanges will still be required as a way to offer lower and more affordable insurance plans. (Note: Many states, including Wisconsin, indicate holding off until November elections are complete before moving too far down the road.)
Regardless of what a reform law might look like this year or in 10 years, Holy Family Memorial (HFM) stands behind the principle that our country needs reform to address many of the issues with insurance and payment systems. The current system in this country is not sustainable and needs to change.
At Holy Family Memorial, we began down our road to reform a few years back by addressing our systems with redesigned facilities and the introduction of Lean Six Sigma. This was followed by intentional cultural shaping to build the ideal culture and prepare our staff in delivering our care in ways that keep our high quality, but will allow HFM to survive in the reform environment.
Today, we continue with our efforts towards reform with the development of disease management programs such as the Patient Centered Medical Home. These “homes” provide a new collaborative care model to keep patients healthy and reduce the need for costly services down the road; part of what reform is all about.
Whichever way the Accountable Care Act goes in the future, HFM is ahead of the curve to deliver redesigned care and services that will provide exceptional experience to the communities we serve.
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