MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The top man with West Virginia United Health System says this week’s ruling by the Supreme Court to protect federal subsidies is a huge relief to more than 30,000 West Virginians.
“This is a great day for those who believe in individuals having the opportunity to be covered by an insurance policy,” said Dr. Christopher Colenda. “To not have it would have been a continuation of bad public policy as it relates to the healthcare industry.”
Most West Virginians covered under the Affordable Care Act received those subsidies in the form of a monthly tax credit. The Medicaid expansion and the insurance exchange has put many more people on a form of health insurance according to Colenda. The coverage will insure payment for his organization’s work.
“We would see these patients no matter what,” he said. “But now we have some sort of insurance coverage through Medicaid or exchange programs to pay for the services those people receive.”
The ruling solidifies the subsidy and for many who may have been hesitant to seek coverage under an exchange. Jeremy Smith with Partners in Health Network told MetroNews Affiliate WMOV Radio it will strengthen the programs.
“I’ve talked to a lot of people who have been hesitant and they have wondered about the future of the Affordable Care Act,” he said. “This ought to put that to rest.”