From the Center for American Progress (http://www.americanprogress.org):
On Friday evening, a federal judge in Texas struck down the Affordable Care Act as “unconstitutional.” His justification? He says that Congress’ intent was to repeal the entire law when it repealed the individual mandate in last year’s tax bill.
While experts from across the political spectrum have called this ruling absurd, it underscores the lengths to which Republicans will go to rip health care away from Americans. They couldn’t get ACA repeal done in Congress, so they’re relying on partisan hacks masquerading as judges to do it for them. What’s even stranger is that Republicans like Josh Hawley, Scott Walker, and Rick Scott lied about wanting to keep protections for those with pre-existing conditions on the campaign trail this year, as they personally helped advance this lawsuit behind the scenes.
For now, the ACA remains the law of the land. The case is on track for an appeal. If the ruling stands, health care in America would be thrown into complete chaos. Here are a few of the things at stake:
- Rules that prohibit insurance companies from discriminating against people with pre-existing conditions by charging them more, excluding benefits, or turning them away entirely
- Medicaid expansion covering 12 million people
- Dependent coverage for young adults up to 26 years old on their parents’ employer plan
- Bans on annual and lifetime limits on coverage
- Financial assistance for people who buy coverage on their own
- Zero cost-sharing for preventative services, including contraception
Last month, the American people sent a clear message that they would no longer tolerate the incessant attacks on health care and this judicial overreach must not stand.
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