FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: December 13, 2010
Contact: Erikka Knuti (202) 603-4600; .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
HIC Responds to VA Court Ruling on Health Care Law
Hudson's opinion is contrary to two other rulings upholding the individual coverage provision
Washington, D.C. — The Health Information Center (HIC) today responded to U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson's decision that struck down an important provision of the Affordable Care Act. Hudson broke precedent set by two other Federal judges and ruled the individual coverage provision unconstitutional. So far there have been 14 cases decided in favor of the Affordable Care Act.
"This legal position is contrary to previous decisions from two other federal judges who found the individual responsibility provision constitutional," said Andrew Grossman president of HIC. "People need to take responsibility for their health coverage so that we can rein in costs and provide access to insurance for everyone including those with pre-existing conditions. The individual responsibility provision stops the abuse to the system that makes everyone's health care more expensive."
Without the individual responsibility provision, the Affordable Care Act could lose its ability to protect those with pre-existing conditions. The Affordable Care Act has helped millions of Virginians already. Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli's lawsuit attacking this important health care reform law ignored the interests of:
- The 1.4 million Virginians who suffer from pre-existing conditions that could otherwise prevent them from accessing coverage. [FamiliesUSA, 5/2010]
- The 91,500 Virginians affected by the Medicare "donut hole" in 2009. In 2010, seniors who hit gap in Medicare Part D drug coverage automatically received a $250 rebate check to help cover their costs. [Healthcare.gov, 2010]
- Virginia's 25,800 young adults now able to remain on their parents' insurance. The Affordable Care Act expanded dependent coverage to young adults up to the age of 26. [Healthcare.gov, 2010]
Earlier this fall HIC launched "America's Fair Health Care" to provide resources and information about the law's implementation, and a national ad campaign to educate the public about the provisions of the new law taking effect. HIC is a non-partisan, non-profit organization whose mission is to educate the public about the Affordable Care Act.
"Under new plans, no child under age 19 will be denied coverage for a pre-existing conditions, period. Adults who have been without insurance for six months and who have been unable to obtain insurance because of a pre-existing condition, can apply for coverage under the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP)."
Insurers can no longer cut someone after the fact.
New screening procedures are now in place for health care providers to eliminate fraud and waste in the health care system.
Medicare Part D enrollees who hit the Medicare prescription drug benefit gap in 2010 will automatically receive a $250 rebate check.
Effective immediately, qualified small employers get tax credits of up to 35% of premiums for offering coverage.
Video
America's new health care law makes it easier for you to find the quality, affordable health care that you and your family need.
