Welcome to The ACP Advocate

Both of our stories today look at the health care reform law and the impact of the Supreme Court decision. 
 
Our first story details the Supreme Court decision and looks at the impact of the decision may have on implementation.  Specifically, we look at the likelihood that, in the absence of a penalty, some states may now decide to refuse the funds to expand their Medicaid programs.
 
Our second story provides you with an overview of the parts of the law that are still to be implemented.  While many protections provided by the law have already gone into effect, there are still insurance reforms and payment system reforms that will be moving ahead in the next two years.
 
The next issue of the Advocate won’t be coming to you until mid-August.  In that issue look for coverage of the 2013 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule that was released last week.
 
In the meantime, for more coverage of what's happening in Washington, especially over the next few weeks as the health care decision is explored, take a look at my award-winning blog, The ACP Advocate Blog by Bob Doherty.  You can also follow me on Twitter @BobDohertyACP. 

And, as always, please send your feedback and suggestions on this newsletter to:  TheACPAdvocate@acponline.org.

Yours truly,

Bob Doherty
Senior Vice President
Governmental Affairs and Public Policy
American College of Physicians