Are Attorneys the Rx For Obamacare?

Nossaman Partner Mary Antoine was featured in the Comstock's magazine article "Are Attorneys the Rx For Obamacare?" regarding the possibility that hiring more attorneys may be the solution to the challenge of putting the federal health care law into effect.  The article reports that hospitals, law firms and state agencies involved in implementing the Affordable Care Act have seen a sizable increase in both work and staff size as they prepare for the changes mandated by the 2010 law.

As chair of Nossaman's Healthcare Practice Group, Ms. Antoine is quoted as saying, "We've just been incredibly busy."  The article noted that in recent months the Firm has hired several new associates as well as seasoned health care attorneys to keep up with "a significant uptick in work on all fronts" from impacted clients.  Ms. Antoine noted, "The challenge is that the work is very sophisticated, high level, fast paced and a moving target."

The article noted that there is increased interest in health care law among law school students because of the Affordable Care Act, however, the extent of opportunities in the field is closely tied to the success of the state-run insurance marketplace and other aspects of the law.

"I think it will continue to grow until we actually see what the public's response is to the exchange and what the enrollment number are," said Ms. Antoine. "If this looks like a great business opportunity, there's going to be even more companies trying to get into the market. If, on the other hand, it ends up being a very costly endeavor and not cost effective ... I would expect to see a slow down on that work."