Big news for millions of Americans with pre-existing conditions
Last week, in a 7-2 decision, the Supreme Court ruled to uphold the Affordable Care Act (ACA), preserving critical patient protections.
The ACA helps currently protects people with pre-existing conditions from discrimination, while expanding healthcare coverage for young adults, and increasing access to free and preventive health services.
A joint amicus brief- also known as a “Friend-of the-court brief,” was filed representing millions of patients with serious illnesses from various state representatives, patient groups and organizations, including the American Diabetes Association, in support of upholding the ACA.
The Supreme Court ruled the plaintiff states and taxpayers (which included the state of Texas, over a dozen additional states, and two individuals) did not have legal standing to bring their lawsuit, which aimed to get the entire health care law struck down.
If the ACA had been repealed, about 20 million Americans would have been uninsured.
As a result of the ruling, patient protections that prohibited insurance companies from denying coverage to people with pre-existing conditions like diabetes, requiring health plans to offer essential benefits, and eliminating arbitrary dollar limits on coverage will remain in place. The ruling will also keep current tax credits that keep health insurance affordable for Americans, along with federal funding to help states provide vital Medicaid coverage to low-income adults.
Let’s sound off in the comments!
1. What are your thoughts about the ruling?
2. Have you tried to apply for health insurance since your diagnosis? If so, did you experience any difficulty obtaining insurance or with the cost of insurance?
