On Thursday, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the national health care law, the Affordable Care Act, preserving insurance coverage for millions of Americans.
“Obamacare” has been under fire three times in the Supreme Court. This time, in California v. Texas, the Court ruled that the states had no right to bring their lawsuit in federal court. The court dismissed the case for the plaintiff’s lack of legal standing — the ability to sue — the court didn’t actually rule on whether the individual mandate is unconstitutional now that there is no penalty for forgoing insurance. The penalty was changed to $0 by Congress in 2017.
Justice Stephen Breyer wrote for the court that the states and people who filed a federal lawsuit “have failed to show that they have standing to attack as unconstitutional the Act’s minimum essential coverage provision.”
Rep. Andy Biggs responded to the latest ruling, stating on Twitter, “The Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act represents the latest judicial somersault by the Court to keep alive a law that has consistently placed burdensome costs and regulations on states and businesses. This action perpetuates a false promise that encumbers the American people, especially lower-income families, in an unconstitutional, government-mandated system that has proven to not work. Congress must continue to strive to identify legislation that will promote free-market healthcare policies that work to improve the lives of all Americans.”
My statement on SCOTUS's decision to uphold the ACA below: pic.twitter.com/QIIQfu3nbT
— Rep Andy Biggs (@RepAndyBiggsAZ) June 18, 2021
Tom O’Halleran also released a statement, commenting, “Hundreds of thousands of Arizonans rely on the Affordable Care Act for their health care, including countless First District families with pre-existing conditions. And, for so many, the ACA was the first time these pre-existing conditions did not prevent them from accessing quality health insurance that didn’t break the bank. I am so pleased to see today’s ruling that upholds these protections.
“This spring, I voted to pass the American Rescue Plan, which reduces the cost of health care coverage for 9 million consumers. Our legislation now ensures that families eligible for premium tax credits have at least a couple of plans to choose from that won’t cost more than 8.5% of their household income. This new change will benefit many living in rural areas hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Moving forward, we cannot play politics with the health care of millions of Americans; I’ve worked to protect the ACA since I came to Congress in 2017, and I will always fight to preserve it. I am committed to working to strengthen our health care systems, lower the costs of prescription drugs, and ensure that families can access the quality, affordable care they need.”
Raul Grijalva issued a press release, stating, “After over a decade of partisan attacks and Republican efforts to rip healthcare away from millions of vulnerable Americans, the Supreme Court has once again reaffirmed that the Affordable Care Act remains law. It’s unconscionable that this lawsuit even proceeded to the Supreme Court while Americans all over the country battled a deadly pandemic and needed access to quality, affordable healthcare now more than ever. It’s time for Republicans to stop their attacks on those with preexisting conditions and finally recognize the legality of the ACA. I’ll keep working in Congress to strengthen the law and move towards universal coverage so that every person in our country has access to the healthcare they deserve.”
