FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: December 15, 2010
Contact: Erikka Knuti (202) 603-4600; .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
McConnell a Past Client of Firm with Ties to Virginia Judge
Washington, D.C. - The Health Information Campaign (HIC) today called attention to the link between Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and the Virginia judge who struck down a key provision of the Affordable Care Act this week. Judge Henry Hudson is an owner of the conservative political firm Campaign Solutions, which counts McConnell and numerous other health reform opponents among its past clients.
"Campaign Solutions helps its Republican clients attack the new health care law," said HIC President Andrew Grossman. "It just goes to show exactly how partisan and political these lawsuits challenging the health care law really are. McConnell needs to stop playing politics with the health care of his constituents. People in Kentucky don't want to go back to worrying about losing their coverage or going bankrupt if they get sick."
This past Monday, Hudson ruled the individual responsibility provision of the Affordable Care Act unconstitutional. Political Correction reported Judge Hudson has previously boasted about his political ties to Republican Senators. Huffington Post reported that Judge Hudson has been paid thousands of dollars in dividends, from his stake in Campaign Solutions. In additional to McConnell the Republican National Committee, Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, and Swift boat Veterans for Truth have been reported as past Campaign Solutions clients.
Tomorrow, hearings begin in the Florida lawsuit challenging the new law. McConnell signed an amicus brief in the Florida suit opposing the health care law, and has repeatedly stated his support for full repeal of the Affordable Care Act [CBS News, 11/7/2010].
Repealing the new health care law would have dire consequences for many Kentuckians, including:
- The 920,000 (26%) of Kentuckians with a pre-existing condition that otherwise may not have access to coverage. [FamiliesUSA, 5/2010]
- The 61,800 Kentuckians who hit the Medicare Part D "donut hole" in 2009. In 2010, seniors who hit the gap in Part D coverage received a $250 rebate check to help cover prescription drug costs. [HealthReform.gov]
- Nearly 53,000 small business owners who could receive tax credits to help provide insurance to their employees. [HealthReform.gov]
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.
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America's new health care law makes it easier for you to find the quality, affordable health care that you and your family need.
