U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand issued the statement below in response to today’s U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) arguments challenging the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Gillibrand opposed the rushed confirmation of Judge Amy Coney Barrett, and recently urged Attorney General Barr to rescind support of the SCOTUS lawsuit to strike down the ACA.
“Today’s arguments before the Supreme Court are yet another attempt by Republicans to advance their never-ending crusade to destroy the ACA and deny vulnerable Americans critical health coverage. Taking away health care from millions of Americans and creating more barriers for those with pre-existing conditions is beyond cruel and senseless – especially as our nation continues the fight against a rising wave of COVID infections and deals with the resulting economic downturn. It’s long past time Republicans in Congress fulfill their moral obligation to the American people and work with Democrats on a bipartisan solution to protect and expand access to high-quality and affordable health care for millions of Americans who depend on the ACA and Medicaid expansion for health services.”
Background:
- In New York, at least one million people could lose their health insurance.
- Around 1.8 million New Yorkers have enrolled in Medicaid since the state’s expansion according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, of which about 300,000 were previously ineligible for the program.
- Approximately 900,000 residents also get coverage through the Essential Plan, an optional benefit provided by the ACA as an alternative for people who can’t get on Medicaid.
- About 273,000 New Yorkers receive coverage via qualified health plans on the individual market, which receive subsidies to be more affordable.