Supreme Court decision

The League is very pleased with the Supreme Court’s de­ci­sion upholding the Afford­able Care Act (ACA). The decision in Florida v. HHS was surprising but deeply important because it protects the health of millions of Americans.

Why is it so important? The Court recognized healthcare reform for what it is: a legislative response to complex issues threatening the health and well-being of Americans that was best resolved by the elected branch of government – the Congress. Now that the ACA has been upheld, our nation is that much closer to achieving the law’s goal: to provide universal health care for all Americans.

Going forward our children will no longer be denied coverage due to pre-existing conditions, young adults can stay on their parents’ health plans as dependents until age 26, Medicare participants will have annual check-ups and mammograms, and many uninsured Americans will now have healthcare coverage.

We are well aware that there are still threats to these critical reforms and that is why we will continue to educate our members and the public on the ACA and its pivotal impact on their lives.

We expressed great hope when the ACA passed Con­gress in 2010 after decades of struggle. Today, we look to a brighter future, a tomorrow that includes healthcare coverage for all Americans.

– Lea Young
President
League of Women Voters
New Orleans

This article was originally published in the July 2, 2012 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper