Federal judge's ruling could lead to new, patient-focused reforms to American health care system

Coalition to Protect Patients' Rights (CPPR) spokesman, Dr. Donald J. Palmisano, today said that a federal judge's ruling on the unconstitutionality of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate could lead to new, patient-focused reforms to the American health care system.

“the entire Affordable Care Act "must be declared void.”

Judge Rodger Vinson, from Pensacola, Florida, said the mandate is "unconstitutional and not severable" meaning that "the entire Affordable Care Act "must be declared void."

"Judge Vinson's ruling on the individual mandate's unconstitutionality could result in the unraveling of the Affordable Care Act, giving lawmakers a second chance at making patient- focused reforms to the American health care system," said Dr. Palmisano. "CPPR has always defended the right of patients to make their own health care decisions and worked to protect the patient-physician relationship. If given a new start on health care reform, I hope we will build on the greatest health care system in the world instead of weakening it by undermining these values."

Judge Vinson's ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed by governors and attorneys general in 26 states challenging the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act passed last March. As the law stands, the mandate requires almost all Americans to purchase health insurance or suffer a financial penalty.

Dr. Palmisano also called on Congress to prioritize the repeal of the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) when working to fix the health care bill:

"While the health care bill's constitutionality is addressed in our nation's courts, Congress must work to repeal the most egregious provisions of the Affordable Care Act, starting with the IPAB, which empowers a panel of 15 unelected bureaucrats to cut billions from the Medicare program every year. Lawmakers should also repeal the 1099 provision, which saddles small businesses—including many doctors' offices—with loads of unnecessary new paperwork, taking more time and resources away from providing quality care to patients."