OHSU Responds to today’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling on the Affordable Care Act

Health Care

This week, Oregon Health & Science University, along with other health care providers across the state, have been closely monitoring the nation's capital for the Supreme Court's ruling on the Affordable Care Act. We are now thoroughly analyzing the decision. Throughout the reform process, OHSU has played an active role in health reform and advocated for improvements. For example, as part of this effort, OHSU adopted eight essential principles of health reform in 2009.

In response to today's ruling, OHSU President Joe Robertson, M.D., M.B.A., has issued the following statement:

"While today's ruling keeps health reform on course for the country, there is much more work to be done on the federal and state level. OHSU has been at the table for these discussions in the past and we will continue to play a role moving forward.

In regards to the specifics of today's ruling, we believe that coverage for all Americans is an essential component required for real health reform. It not only improves outcomes for individuals and communities, it's absolutely vital to address the cost of health care.

Today's ruling directly impacts OHSU in that we will need to increase the number of health care professionals we train in order to respond to the growing number of patients as a result of universal access. We look forward to working with the Governor, the Legislature and other parties in addressing this need.

In regards to the hard work taking place in Oregon to reform health care, we are proud to be part of Oregon's efforts to reform health care and pleased those efforts continue to move full speed. Governor Kitzhaber's innovative plan for reform is being implemented at this moment, built around the establishment of new Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs). The $1.9 billion agreement with the Obama Administration, an investment in the Governor's plan (known as Transformation), is still on track.

We expect the eyes of the nation will be on Oregon to see if transformation can improve everyone's health while reducing costs. There is hard work ahead, but we believe Oregon is up to the job."

- OHSU President Joe Robertson, M.D., M.B.A.


OHSU Communications
503 494-8231