CAPAC Applauds Affordable Care Act Ruling
Washington, DC – Today, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that the Affordable Care Act is Constitutional, laying to rest months of national debate and uncertainty. Leaders of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements in response:
Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-32), CAPAC Chair: “Today’s ruling marks a watershed moment for the health and wellbeing of all Americans. The days of denied coverage due to pre-existing conditions and costly insurance rates are over. As Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I know how much the ACA has helped the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community. The Affordable Care Act has already provided insurance coverage to nearly 100,000 AANHPI young adults and helped to improve data collection on our diverse population. And thanks to today’s decision, it is estimated that 2 million AANHPIs will gain access to health insurance.
“The Supreme Court decision does more than reaffirm the constitutional merits of the Affordable Care Act – it also serves as a case-in-point of how our federal government should serve the American people. While there is still work to be done, this is a significant victory in our efforts to eliminate health disparities and ensure that all Americans have access to quality, affordable care.”
Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-09), CAPAC Healthcare Taskforce Chair: “Today, the Supreme Court upheld the right of every American to have quality healthcare. Before the landmark Affordable Care Act was signed into law, nearly 50 million Americans – a disproportionate number of who were racial and ethnic minorities, and low-income and underserved Americans – were uninsured. As CAPAC Healthcare Taskforce Chair, I commend the High Court for ensuring that we don’t slip backwards to the days of pre-existing conditions and denied coverage.”
Congressman Mike Honda (CA-15), CAPAC Chair Emeritus: “Two years ago, I was proud to make history and follow the leadership of President Obama in finally bringing the promise of affordable healthcare to everyone in our nation. Today, the Supreme Court affirmed this promise and upheld the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, recognizing that the need for healthcare profoundly affects all aspects of our society. This decision is a resounding victory for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently, 1 in 6 Asian Americans and 1 in 4 Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders are uninsured. Thanks to health reform, 2 million out of 2.5 million AAPIs who would otherwise be uninsured will gain or be eligible for coverage by 2016. In addition to receiving coverage, the law also provides language access provisions that will help non-native English speakers to better communicate with their doctors. This was a provision that I strongly fought for and was included in the final legislation. Today is a resounding victory for the AAPI community and for our nation as a whole.”
Senator Daniel Akaka (HI): "I am pleased the Supreme Court upheld the bill as constitutional. The Affordable Care Act may now fulfill its full promise to bring quality health care to millions more Americans, combat skyrocketing costs, and lower the burden of uninsured patients on our hospitals and doctors."
"As we discuss this news, we cannot forget about the minority populations in our nation that continue to face serious health disparities, including higher rates of diabetes, cancer, and heart disease and lack of access to culturally competent health care services. We must do all we can to ensure quality health care for all Americans, and this ruling is a big step in that direction."
Senator Daniel K. Inouye (HI): “Since the passage of the Affordable Care Act more than two years ago, the President and those in the Congress who worked in a bipartisan fashion to pass this measure have been subjected to legal scrutiny and withering criticism from opponents of the law. Improving the way we treat the sick and how we provide for the health of our families became a bitter political fight. Now that the Supreme Court has determined the law is constitutionally legitimate, let’s get on with the work of the people. I applaud the Justices for their careful review of the law and thank them for ruling on behalf of the healthcare needs of millions of Americans. Because of the health care reform law, over 3 million young adults now have health insurance that would otherwise not be covered, 17 million children with pre-existing conditions can no longer be denied coverage, and more than 5 million seniors will save $4 billion on their prescription drugs. We in the Congress understand this law is not perfect but it can and will be improved, over time, in the same fashion that changes and improvements have been incorporated over the past 46 years to the Medicare program. I am proud to have been a part of the historic process that brought comprehensive healthcare reform to every American and I look forward to working with my colleagues, Democrats and Republicans, as we continue to improve this important initiative.”
Congressman Xavier Becerra (CA-31):“Three years ago, we began our historic work in Congress to ensure that no American could be denied access to quality affordable health care, to lower the costs of prescription drugs for our seniors, and to protect our most vulnerable from the ravages of an out-of-control health care system. Today, the Supreme Court of the United States has reaffirmed the constitutionality of our work on behalf of the American people to fix a broken health care system. I applaud the Court for its reasoned decision and I look forward to building upon the historic health care reform law to put Americans and their doctors back in charge of their health care choices”
Congressman Eni Faleomavaega (AS): "The Supreme Court’s decision today to uphold the Affordable Care Act is a victory for all Americans, including those living in American Samoa. Through this law, Americans will receive new benefits such as patient protections and individuals will no longer be denied coverage based on pre-existing conditions. The law reduces the health disparities between the Territories and the States through increased funding to our Medicaid programs and the option to participate in the Health Insurance Exchange program.
"By upholding the Affordable Care Act, we are holding insurance companies accountable for their actions and providing greater access to affordable healthcare to those who are normally left to fend for themselves. I applaud the High Court for their decision."
Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa (HI-01): “The Court’s decision is a victory for the tens of millions of Americans who will continue to receive affordable health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. Young adults receiving health insurance through their families’ plans, seniors getting relief from the Medicare donut hole, women protected from discriminatory practices in health care, and small businesses enjoying tax credits to offset the cost of health insurance now have reassurance that these benefits will still be available to them in the future.
“Healthcare reform touches the lives of millions of Americans who want nothing more than to be able to take their children to see a doctor, or to know that a serious illness will not bankrupt their families. Today’s decision is not about politics; it is about the well-being of ordinary people.
“I am not under any illusions that this is the end of the healthcare debate. From here we will move forward to both continue to protect the Affordable Care Act from attacks by its opponents, and to build on this success to lighten the load on Americans from all walks of life.”
Congresswoman Mazie Hirono (HI-02): “This ruling means that Americans can now count on secure and stable insurance coverage. If you have a pre-existing condition, you’ll be able to get health care; if you become seriously ill, there will be no annual limits on your care; if you’re a woman you won’t be charged higher premiums; and if you don’t have coverage, you will be able to buy affordable coverage.
“The Affordable Care Act has already had a positive impact on the lives of Hawaii’s families and seniors. An estimated 6,000 young adults in Hawaii now have access to health insurance. Nearly 25,000 people on Medicare have saved over $14.5 million in prescription drug costs. More than 200,000 people helped control long-term health costs by gaining preventative health service coverage. And Hawaii has received millions of dollars for critical investments including the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, the College of Pharmacy at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, and the West Hawaii Community Health Center.
“While today’s Supreme Court ruling in support of the Affordable Care Act is good news for our families in Hawaii, I will continue to work to make sure everyone has access to quality health care.”
Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03): "I am pleased that today’s U.S. Supreme Court decision leaves intact nearly all of the provisions of the Affordable Care Act, most importantly the "individual mandate." This law is a milestone towards expanding affordable health coverage to all Americans, regardless of age, income, or preexisting condition. Young Americans can continue to stay on their parent's polices until they are twenty-six, seniors will not be pushed back into the 'donut-hole', and health insurance companies will not be able to put a lifetime limit on your health coverage.
"This is a win for Americans across the country. While the debate over the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act has been divisive, as we begin seeing more of the provisions come into effect, more Americans will realize how important this law is and how it helps them, their families, and their neighbors.
Congresswoman Karen Bass (CA-33): “Today’s historic decision by the Supreme Court to uphold the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act is extremely welcomed news. The American people can claim today as a victory, and rest assured that everyone in our country will receive quality healthcare.
“When President Obama promised the American people that he would reform our healthcare system so that it served more people at a lower cost overall–he did just that. The Affordable Care Act, reminds us that healthcare should be a basic human right that allows families to receive quality care without having to spend every penny they earn.
“I’m pleased that the Supreme Court held firmly to their principles and did not politicize this important decision. Now, the Affordable Care Act can do what the American people need it to do, including providing millions of Americans access to cancer screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies, ensuring coverage for millions who have preexisting conditions and youth who remain on their parent’s coverage; and giving seniors a stronger Medicare program.”
Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (MI-14): “Today is a historic day. The Affordable Care Act can now takes its rightful place among this nation’s other critical efforts to ensure that the basic human needs of all Americans are met. Just as our Social Security and Medicaid systems provide a critical safety net to older Americans, the Affordable Care Act will help make health care more affordable and accessible for all. This law ensures that health insurance bureaucrats can no longer deny a child health care because of a pre-existing condition and millions of young Americans can now receive coverage on their family plans until they are 26. And longstanding disparities and discrimination in health care for women and minorities will come to an end. I am also pleased that the Court upheld the law’s provisions expanding Medicaid to 15 million additional Americans. The decision provides a strong incentive for states to comply with the law.
“I am heartened that the Court upheld the rule of law and adhered to long-standing legal precedent. I encourage individuals of all parties to seize this opportunity to set aside our differences and move forward together to implement this landmark achievement for the American people.”
Congressman Joe Crowley (NY-07):“Over two years ago, President Obama and Democrats in Congress took on the longstanding challenge of improving our nation’s health care system. We worked to put an end to runaway premium increases and arbitrary coverage denials, to improve and strengthen Medicare, and to create options for individuals and small businesses to purchase quality and affordable insurance. I am pleased that today, our hard work was validated.
“I also hope a new bipartisan spirit emerges after today. Instead of wasting energies on pursuing a repeal of health reform, I hope my colleagues on the other side of the aisle will start working with Democrats to implement this law in the best way possible and return our attentions to the pressing issues of the day – creating jobs and strengthening the economy.”
Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-16 ): “Today’s ruling is a victory for the millions of Americans who are the true beneficiaries of the Affordable Care Act’s expanded, affordable coverage that can’t be denied because of pre-existing conditions. I was proud to vote for this bill when it passed the House of Representatives in March 2010. Because of this law more than 440,000 children, adults and seniors of the16th congressional district have been shielded from excessive rate increases, health coverage rescissions, and lifetime coverage limits.
“Healthcare reform is already working to bring relief to our community. It is already expanding coverage for children and young adults, allowing businesses to expand coverage through tax credits, and helping Santa Clara County seniors afford the prescriptions they need.”
Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04): “Two years ago, I was proud to vote in support of the Affordable Care Act. Today’s historic Supreme Court decision affirms President Obama’s leadership to extend healthcare coverage to millions of Americans. It is now time for Republicans in Congress to end their vitriolic repeal campaign and work on effectively implementing this law to the benefit of the American people.”
Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-11 ): “When I am with people, working in our region, I hear how having access to affordable health care is imperative to our families. I have been unemployed and understand what it’s like to worry about providing for your family and had to struggle to find health coverage.
“The health care reform we passed is far from perfect and needs to be improved upon, but it is a big step in the right direction. Folks who are uninsured will now have some peace of mind, knowing that they will have health care. In our area, where unemployment has been much higher than the rest of the country, and where people need access to affordable health care, this is a vital element to our economic recovery.”
Congressman Charles Rangel (NY-15): "Today, the Supreme Court made a momentous decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act, which is a victory for America. The Court stayed true to the Constitution and to the American people. As the House sponsor of the healthcare reform bill, I cannot overstress how thrilled I am with today's announcement. It means a better future for our great country.
Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34): "When Congress passed the Affordable Care Act in 2010, we accomplished something that couldn't be achieved since 1912. I will continue to work with my Democratic Colleagues to defend President Barack Obama's landmark legislation and fight against Republican attempts to dismantle it. In the meantime, it's time to focus on spurring economic growth and getting Americans back to work...This ruling is particularly important for minorities in our country, who make up 30% of the population, but are 50% of the uninsured. Every year more than 83,000 racial and ethnic minorities die because they don’t have access to high quality health care. The Affordable Care Act is a landmark health equity law that extends health coverage to 32 million more individuals and provides the critical investments and reforms necessary to eliminate health care disparities, especially in minority and underserved communities...Now that the fight is over, we can focus on making sure that the Affordable Care Act is implemented in a manner that maximizes access, coverage and care. Today is the beginning of a new chapter of stability and security in our nation’s health care system.”
Congresswoman Linda Sánchez (CA-39): “Today’s decision is a victory for the American people. It underscores the progress already made for millions of children who can no longer be denied coverage based on pre-existing conditions, for the young adults who are now covered under their parents’ health plans, and for the seniors now paying less for their prescription drugs. The Affordable Care Act has made that a new reality for millions of Americans. I have believed from the start that the Affordable Care Act, and quality access to health care, was Constitutional. This landmark legislation put in place vital patient protections and consumer freedoms that Americans have desperately needed. I will continue to fight any efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act and work to ensure that every American has access to health care.”
Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (CA-47): “The Supreme Court upheld the core of the Affordable Care Act today, the individual mandate, ruling that this critical component to health care reform complies with our Constitution. I agree with and applaud the Supreme Court’s decision. Preserving the individual mandate is the best way to ensure Americans can access affordable and quality health care.
“With today’s ruling by the highest court in the land behind us, it’s time to move forward, roll up our sleeves, and work together to get our economy back on track and create jobs. I hope my Republican colleagues in Congress will join me in this effort, rather than focusing on new attempts to try to strip Americans of their health care rights.”
Congressman Adam Schiff (CA-29): “I am very pleased to see that the Supreme Court has upheld the health care reform law. These hard-passed reforms will be beneficial to the country – already, 17 million children with pre-existing conditions can no longer be denied coverage by insurers, seniors have received additional help with prescription drug prices, college graduates can stay on their parents policies, small employers and the self-employed will soon be able to purchase health insurance at bulk discount rates, and millions of Americans will have health insurance for the first time.
"I am also pleased for another reason: The Court was at risk of becoming yet another partisan institution if it threw out decades of precedent. The Chief Justice chose a different legacy, and this was not only the correct legal decision, it was also enormously important to maintaining the independence and reputation of the Court."
Congresswoman Jackie Speier (CA-12): “The Supreme Court decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act care is a victory for every family, including the parents whose children would otherwise be without insurance. This is a victory for seniors who have saved more than $4 billion on their prescription drugs. In 2014, those with pre-existing conditions will no longer be discriminated against by health insurers. I am still reading the scope of the Court’s determinations, but the core concept is simple: America wins. Affordable health care is a right, not a privilege.
“The Affordable Care Act is already paying dividends for millions of Americans including 25 million women who now have access to important preventive services such as mammograms, screenings for cervical cancer, prenatal care, flu and pneumonia shots, and regular well-baby and well-child visits all without co-pays or other charges.
“Furthermore, starting in 2014, being a woman can no longer be treated as a pre-existing medical condition in the eyes of insurance companies. For example, insurers will be barred from denying coverage for those who have had cesarean sections, survived domestic violence, or who are pregnant.
“Nationwide, health insurers will no longer be able to charge women higher premiums than they charge men of the same age, including regularly charging female nonsmokers more than they would male smokers. In short, today marks a turning point in America’s long struggle to make a dream into reality - the dream of affordable health coverage for every American. Work remains, but the goal line is in sight.
“I also want to laud Chief Justice Roberts who has demonstrated that the Court can be fair and balanced. The Roberts Court has done far more to benefit America than to simply uphold a law.”
The Affordable Care Act prevents insurance companies from denying coverage to children with pre-existing conditions and allows young adults to remain under their parents’ health plans until age 26. In addition, the ACA provides millions of seniors with new preventive benefits and prescription drug discounts, expands the Medicaid program, provides tax credits to small business owners who provide health insurance for their employees, and makes a number of long term investments in our nation’s health system.
The ACA has already helped nearly 3 million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders receive access to free preventive services and has provided over 2.5 million young adults – including 97,000 Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders – with affordable health care coverage. The law also provides new standards for collecting and reporting health data on the Asian American and Pacific Islander community that will help to track relevant-health data and identify health disparities in the diverse subgroups within the AAPI population.
The Court’s full decision can be read by clicking here.
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The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.