Adventist Health Institutions Consider Future Impact of Possible Supreme Court Decision

by AT News Team

No one is willing to go on the record at this point. Adventist Today has been told off the record that there have been internal discussions among key administrators at more than one Seventh-day Adventist Church-related health institution regarding “what if” and the Affordable Care Act currently under review by the United States Supreme Court.
 
Many media news reports have pointed out that if certain provisions in the law are nullified the cost to health care providers could be massive. “Unless we are willing to let people die, we will have to continue to provide emergency treatment for those who have no health insurance,” reflected one veteran health care leader who is an Adventist Church member.
 
“This is a very complex situation,” said a young Adventist health professional. “Unfortunately it appears that the decisions are going to be made more from politics than driven by health care management or health promotion considerations.” There are Adventist health professionals who are willing to admit privately to views on both sides of the long-controversial health care plan. All of them regret that more attention is not given to prevention strategies.
 
The health care institutions sponsored by the Adventist Church have long been dedicated to charitable care and an emphasis on wellness. Depending on the exact nature of the Supreme Court’s decision, these developments could make it much more difficult for these values to continue. It should come as no surprise that competent managers are trying to anticipate outcomes and future developments.
 
Adventist Today is looking for sources willing to talk more openly about how the new law, the court decision and related developments affect church-related health care institutions. This will be a continuing story in future months.