WASHINGTON, D.C. – “The Affordable Care Act is here to stay.”
This were the words of President Barack Obama Thursday morning, after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Affordable Health Care Act – sometimes called “Obamacare” – in a case where it could have been ruled unconstitutional. Health care coverage for over 30,000 Iowans (and millions of Americans) was on the line in this decision.
In the 6-3 decision in King v. Burwell, justices ruled in favor of health care subsidies for persons who buy private health care plans from insurance companies. About 6.4 million Americans in 34 states are using Obamacare for health coverage.
“Congress passed the Affordable Care Act to improve health insurance markets, not to destroy them,” said Chief Justice John Roberts in support of the health care law.
“We should start calling this law SCOTUScare,” Justice Antonin Scalia said in dissent. “Obamacare” has faced the Supreme Court twice, and survived.
Iowa Senator Joni Ernst fired back at the ruling and Obamacare in a statement:
“Today’s Supreme Court ruling does not change the fundamental reality that ObamaCare is a poorly conceived and reckless law.
“As ObamaCare again finds itself under scrutiny of our highest court, it’s further affirmation that we need a workable solution for the millions of Americans who continue to face uncertainty over their health care due to this disastrous law.
“I remain committed to working towards a sustainable health care system that puts the focus back on Iowa families and individuals, which is why I support repealing and replacing ObamaCare with affordable, patient centered alternatives. I will continue working to help Iowans achieve the care they deserve that enhances competition, increases flexibility, constrains rising costs and ensures Americans have a voice over their own health care.”
