Newark, NJ, June 18, 2021 – SPAN applauds the U.S. Supreme Court for its 7-2 shut down of yet another partisan attack on the Affordable Care Act (also known as Obamacare).
In their California v. Texas ruling yesterday, the court issued a scathing rebuke to the block of Republican state officials and others supporting the case that its very premise was absurd to begin with. While the ruling was written by liberal Justice Stephen Breyer, four Republican appointees – Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Clarence Thomas, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett – joined Breyer’s opinion.
Let’s all remember what Obamacare has done for those that need it most and why it’s so important for our communities:
- Since its inception, Obamacare has provided coverage for more than 20 million Americans and saved tens of thousands of lives.
- It has protected people with pre-existing conditions from discrimination – including common medical issues like diabetes, asthma, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and even pregnancy! This includes providing protections for essential health benefits, including prescription drugs, maternity care, and behavioral health.
- States receive $135 billion in funding for their healthcare marketplaces, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
- Medicaid expansion has led to better access to care and health outcomes for 12.7 million lower-income individuals and their families in 36 states.
- Healthcare has become more affordable overall.
- Women can no longer be charged more for insurance and are guaranteed coverage for services essential to women’s health.
- Millions of disabled Americans have been protected from arbitrary annual or lifetime coverage limits.
- And much more!
For these and many more reasons, we are grateful for the decisive, dismissive action the court took to thwart yet another attack on the health of vulnerable Americans. We are pleased that this decision supports the healthcare advocacy work we engage in every day.
With thanks,
Diana Autin,
Executive Director
