Supreme Court Ruling Generates Widespread Reaction During the DIA 2012 48th Annual Meeting

For Immediate Release Supreme Court Ruling Generates Widespread Reaction During the DIA 2012 48th Annual Meeting JUNE 28, 2012—HORSHAM, PA—The Supreme Court today voted 5-4 to uphold President Obama’s Affordable Care Act, affirming the centerpiece of the sweeping 2010 overhaul of the nation’s medical industries. “Today’s Supreme Court decision will impact patient access to medical products and treatments,” explains Paul Pomerantz, DIA Worldwide Executive Director.”It also provides clarity and direction to allow DIA to continue to create forums to exchange vital information and discuss current issues to ensure patient access to safe, effective, and affordable medical products.” In his decision, Chief Justice John Roberts explained that the individual mandate survives because Congress has the power to impose taxes. Today’s announcement came during the DIA 2012 Annual Meeting CDER Town Hall—generating mixed reaction from the 600 people in attendance. "It sure seems like the right thing to do," says Patrick Revelle, MedDRA MSSO. "It seems an odd position for someone to be against. I have health care coverage, but many other people don't." Greg Gogates of CRF Health noted that the Supreme Court considers the individ¬ual mandate to be tax on those who do not have health insurance. "I understand the concept,” he says. “But where are the people who already have no money for health insurance going to come up with the money to pay for this tax?" Starting in 2014, the Affordable Care Act will extend health insurance to approximately 30 million Americans who currently lack coverage. It will also guarantee the availability of insurance for those with pre-existing conditions and ensure those people don’t pay more than healthy people. Anyone earning up to 133% of the federal poverty level will get free coverage through Medicaid and those earning 133% to 400% (but without access to employer or government insurance) will be eligible for federal subsidies to help them buy policies. As a frequent visitor to the US, and also having lived here for a couple years, Thomas Kuhler of Novo Nordisk A/S, Denmark congratulated the Supreme Court’s decision noting, "This [decision] represents a great step forward." Contact: Joe Krasowski DIA Marketing Communications Manager P: 215-293-5812 E: Joe.Krasowski@diahome.org