National Association of Social Workers

Affordable Care Act clears high court

Law promises good things, faces hurdles

By Rena Malai, News staff

Supporters of President Obama’s Affordable Care Act hold signs outside the U.S. Supreme Court on June 28 as they await the court’s ruling on the constitutionality of the law.

Social workers celebrated on June 28 when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled to uphold President Obama’s Affordable Care Act, which paves the way for more than 30 million uninsured people to have health care coverage.

The landmark ruling also has the potential to create more jobs for social workers. But the law — most of which should be in place by 2014 — still faces hurdles, as many governors have pledged not to implement the ACA in their states.

As advocates and health care providers, social workers are key to ensuring that the law is fully implemented.

“Social workers need to be involved in this on the ground floor. We’re the ones in the trenches seeing people not getting the health care they need,” said Januari Leo, NASW member and public affairs field specialist with Legacy Community Health Services in Houston. “The role of advocacy is really important as so many states may not implement the ACA. People need to get out and vote. We can be the game-changers.”

ACA highlights

The cornerstone of the ACA is the “individual mandate,” the requirement that most Americans and legal residents possess health insurance coverage. Achieving this goal requires a complex mix of federal and state effort.  The ACA requires all states to establish health insurance exchanges — competitive marketplaces where individuals and small businesses can buy affordable health plans.

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From September 2012 NASW News. © 2012 National Association of Social Workers. All Rights Reserved. NASW News articles may be copied for personal use, but proper notice of copyright and credit to the NASW News must appear on all copies made. This permission does not apply to reproduction for advertising, promotion, resale, or other commercial purposes.