From March 26 to 28, 2012, the United States Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in Florida, et al., v. Department of Health and Human Services, et al., the challenge to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) brought by the attorneys general of 26 states and the National Federation of Independent Businesses. A ruling is expected by the end of June. The ACA is already benefiting millions of Americans. Striking down the law would take away protections that Americans already have or are about to gain, including:
- Rules prohibiting insurers from denying coverage to people with pre-existing conditions.
- Tax credits that are helping small businesses provide coverage to their employees.
- Rules prohibiting insurers from canceling coverage when people get sick.
- Rules allowing young adults to remain on their parents’ coverage until age 26.
- Rules prohibiting insurers from imposing annual or lifetime caps on coverage.
- Improved prescription drug coverage and preventive benefits for seniors and people with disabilities who rely on Medicare.
Do you know of someone who has directly benefited from the ACA? A young adult with a serious medical condition who is able to remain on his/her parent’s health plan? An individual who couldn’t find coverage but has now enrolled in the federal Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan (https://www.pcip.gov/)? A patient who has benefited from the gradual removal of lifetime coverage limits? NASW is collecting stories for press activities during the week of the Supreme Court challenge. Please send your anecdotes to Greg Wright at gwright@naswdc.org. Client last names can be abbreviated for privacy.
More information on benefits of the Affordable Care Act is available at: www.healthcare.gov
