Following is a statement by CCF Co-Executive Directors Jocelyn Guyer and Joan Alker on today’s Supreme Court decision.
“Today is a good day for America’s children and families.
The Supreme Court has affirmed the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and our nation can now continue to implement the law of the land. This decision will help children get the coverage they need to grow and thrive as it maintains coverage through the cost-effective Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program that together have successfully brought down uninsured rates for children to record lows. The law cracks down on unfair practices in the insurance industry. Thanks to the new law, kids with asthma or diabetes can no longer be denied coverage based on a pre-existing condition. And their moms can’t be charged higher premiums because of their gender.
While today’s decision is great news for most American children and families, the Court left open the possibility that the lowest income parents and other adults could be left behind. Now the responsibility for ensuring that this is indeed a victory for all rests squarely on the shoulders of the states.
We remain optimistic that most states will recognize the great value of accepting federal help to offer coverage to all uninsured parents and adults through the cost-effective Medicaid program. Extending coverage to these parents is not only good for the health and well-being of children, it improves the economic security of families.
Now that the Supreme Court has confirmed the constitutionality of the law, we all need to redouble our efforts to put the law to work for America’s children and families. “
