Nurses, doctors, and other SEIU members praise Court decision that sustains affordable healthcare for working families across the nation
Washington, D.C. – More than eight million working women and men across the nation have greater peace of mind following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in King v. Burwell, a case that threatened to take away the tax credits through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that helps them purchase their own health insurance coverage. The court’s decision sends a strong message to Congress to stop trying to repeal the Affordable Care Act and get on with the nation’s business.
“What this decision tells us is the Affordable Care Act is here to stay. I have seen the difference in what the Affordable Care Act has done for my patients. They’re now being treated for their illnesses early on and not waiting until their disease has progressed to the point that their health is at critical risk. I’m glad that the Supreme Court did not bend to the pressure of a small group of politically motivated individuals. The burden of the pending decision has now been lifted and hard-working women and men can continue on with their lives without worrying about their healthcare coverage. The Supreme Court realized that millions of lives would be devastated if the ACA tax credits were repealed.”
121RN President Gayle Batiste, RN, CNOR, at Northridge Hospital Medical Center
Tax credits help working families cover the cost of insurance premiums giving them access to quality healthcare, affordable lifesaving prescription drugs, and freedom from medical bankruptcy. Since healthcare legislation was passed more than five years ago 90 percent of all Americans now have health insurance, yet Republican extremists voted 56 times to repeal healthcare reform.
SEIU President Mary Kay Henry said, “Despite the relentless attacks by extremist Republicans to undermine the Affordable Care Act, there is no denying the law’s success: more folks have healthcare coverage more than any time on record, individuals can no longer be dropped by an insurance company because of a pre-existing condition like asthma or high blood pressure, women can no longer be charged more for their coverage, and 137 million women and men are benefiting from preventive care.”
What this decision shows is healthcare reform is working and it is here to stay.
For Claudette Newsome of Houston, Texas the King v. Burwell decision means she can continue to purchase her family’s insurance while paying the student loans from the classes she’s taken to further her career. After her husband passed away five years ago from a lengthy illness that forced the family into bankruptcy, she wanted nothing more than to stay healthy for her two school-aged daughters. The $385 per month tax credit she receives has made a huge difference in her family.
“Finally, I can stop worrying about my healthcare premiums and focus on taking care of myself. I can continue to see a doctor and get my regular check-ups and my daughters can be assured their mom is going to be around for a long time,” explained Newsome.
Now that the decision has come out, SEIU members and healthcare advocates across the nation will continue to work to close the Medicaid gap and help to gain quality, affordable healthcare coverage for all.