Rep. Napolitano’s Statement on Supreme Court Health Care Decision
(Washington, D.C.) Today, Rep. Grace F. Napolitano released the following statement regarding the Supreme Court upholding President Obama’s health care law:
“This is a huge victory for the American people,” Napolitano said. “The 5-4 decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act (ACA) affirms that parents can continue health care coverage for their children up to the age of 26, ensures that no man, woman, or child will be denied care due to pre-existing conditions, and protects seniors from having to pay more for prescription drugs.”
In the ensuing years, other provisions of ACA will include:
• Effective January 1, 2013: New funding to state Medicaid programs to expand the number of Americans receiving preventive care
• Effective January 1, 2014: If your employer doesn’t offer insurance, you will be able to buy it directly in an Affordable Insurance Exchange
• Effective January 1, 2015: Physician payments will be tied directly to the quality care they provide
According to a recent analysis conducted by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, the health care legislation has had a dramatic impact for people living in California’s 38th Congressional District:
• 6,700 young adults in the district now have health insurance.
• 4,600 seniors in the district received prescription drug discounts worth $2 million, an average discount of $430 per senior.
• 45,000 seniors in the district received Medicare preventive services without paying any co-pays, coinsurance, or deductibles.
• 9,000 to 42,000 children with preexisting health conditions can no longer be denied coverage by health insurers
• 25,000 children and 90,000 adults now have health insurance that covers preventive services without paying any co-pays, coinsurance, or deductibles.
• 510 small businesses in the district received tax credits to help maintain or expand health care coverage for their employees.
• $22 million in public health grants have been given to community health centers, hospitals, doctors, and other healthcare providers in the district to improve the community’s health.
###