The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 today to uphold the Affordable Care Act.
Reactions are mixed, but here are some comments from individuals who applaud the decision by the U.S. Supreme Court.
U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J.: "Today's decision is a victory for millions of middle-class families across America who want the security that the health-care law provides. It is a victory for seniors, women and young people. This is a victory for nearly 126,000 seniors in New Jersey who have already saved, on average, $756 for their prescription drugs, and for more than 985,000 seniors who had access to free, critical lifesaving services. It is a victory for more than 73,000 young adults in New Jersey who can stay on their parents' plan until their 26th birthday. And a victory for women and their ability to get the care they choose for themselves.
"I am proud to have fought for our seniors, our young people and our middle-class families to provide quality, affordable health care. And I will oppose Republican efforts to repeal the consumer protections that would take us back to the days when insurance companies had free rein to do whatever they wanted," Menendez added.
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Calif. Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez, D-Los Angeles: "Today's ruling by the Supreme Court is a victory for all Californians. The court's decision to uphold the constitutionality of the landmark Affordable Care Act will ensure that the president's efforts expand access to affordable, quality health care for individuals regardless of age, income or pre-existing conditions will continue moving forward. As the author of legislation establishing California's Health Care Exchange, I am committed to continuing our work to reform California's health-care system to ensure that millions of Californians can get coverage that is comprehensive and affordable and doesn't discriminate based on pre-existing conditions.
"President Obama and congressional Democrats showed great leadership in enacting the Affordable Care Act, and today's decision reinforces that leadership," he added. "California has been the national leader on implementing federal health-care reform, and today's decision affirming the wisdom and constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act means we will continue to move full-speed ahead."
U.S. Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard, D-Calif.: "The court has decided, and now we can move forward and get people the coverage they need. Today, if you have a pre-existing condition, you can rest assured that you will always have access to health care. If you need preventative care -- a cancer screening, diabetes test, a flu shot -- these services will be covered. Beginning in 2014, your insurance company can no longer charge you more for being a woman, and if you lose your job, or your employer doesn't offer insurance, you will be able to buy affordable coverage.
"This ruling is particularly important for minorities in our country, who make up 30 percent of the population, but are 50 percent of the uninsured," she continued. "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."
U.S. Senate candidate Martin Heinrich: "The Supreme Court has spoken, declaring the Affordable Care Act constitutional. This decision means New Mexicans will continue to benefit from expanded access to quality, affordable health care.
"Now it's time to move on to the major economic problems facing our country," he added. "Our focus needs to be on creating jobs and getting our economy back on track. The finger-pointing needs to end and Washington needs to get its priorities straight by cutting waste and ending the Bush tax breaks for millionaires and companies that outsource jobs, so we can focus on job creation and strengthening Social Security and Medicare."
