Yesterday’s U.S. Supreme Court decision, which upheld President Barack Obama’s health care reform law, is leaving Americans wondering how it will affect them and their families.
With approximately 1.5 million Americans currently living in skilled nursing facilities and the number of seniors rising to more than 39 million, [1], the cost of healthcare to seniors is no doubt on the minds of a large percentage of our population.
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) reacted in a speech on the Senate floor. He expressed his opinion of the value of Obamacare to seniors in that they will receive increased help with the cost of prescription drugs, preventive care and annual checkups. [2]
And while Chief Justice John Roberts, a known conservative, surprised many by providing the crucial fifth vote to uphold the law, the majority of conservatives do not agree the decision is beneficial.
“This is going to be one of the largest tax increases in the history of our country,” said U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) in a Senate floor speech yesterday. [3]. She then conveyed her concern over how increased taxes will affect already high unemployment rates.
At Pembroke Pines, a senior living center in south Florida, seniors delivered their own opinions as they watched the breaking news. [4]
“It’s great,” said a pleased Mary Watson, a resident of Pembroke Pines. “The {Supreme Court} Justices each have their own agenda but they know how to work with each other. I think they did a great job.”
Irma Castro, also a Pembroke Pines resident, was not so sure. “I disagree with it completely. Some people can’t afford to buy health insurance…when you’re young, you can’t always afford it. My daughter couldn’t afford it.”
What is your reaction to this historic decision and how do you think it will affect seniors and senior living moving forward?
[1] National Center for Health Statistics. United States, 2011. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Web. 28 June 2012.
[2] “Senate Reacts to Supreme Court Ruling.” CNN. Web. 28 June 2012.
[3] Senate Reacts to Supreme Court Ruling.” CNN. Web. 28 June 2012.
[4] “Florida seniors react to Supreme Court health-care decision.” Washington Post. Web. 28 June 2012.
