The federal judge who declared the Affordable Care Act unconstitutional has issued an order saying the law can remain in effect while his ruling is appealed.
The bottom line: The order by Judge Reed O'Connor isn't a surprise, but it gives more certainty to the health care system — at least for now — and avoids the chaos that would have resulted if the ruling had immediately gone into effect. O'Connor noted that "many everyday Americans would otherwise face great uncertainty during the pendency of appeal."
"Medicare for All" is the idea that's been getting attention from progressive Democrats, but Forbes flags another one that could get attention over the next two years: letting people buy into Medicare between the ages of 55 and 64.
Between the lines: It's a more incremental, centrist option for Medicare expansion than the sweeping idea that's generating excitement in Democratic circles. (Bill Clinton floated a version of it during his presidency, and moderate House Democrats are its main backers now.) But as Forbes points out, Sen. Sherrod Brown, a possible Democratic presidential candidate, has sponsored a version of Medicare at 55 — so it could get attention if he runs.
Every year since 2010, the Department of Justice has recovered at least $2 billion from hospitals, doctors, pharmaceutical firms and other health care companies for allegedly defrauding the federal government.
The big picture: Federal fraud settlements from the health care industry totaled $2.5 billion in the 2018 fiscal year alone, according to newly released figures. A look at those settlements shows the wide variety of tactics health care companies have allegedly used to steer money to themselves.
