AUGUSTA — Today, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case of California v. Texas, as part of continued attacks on the Affordable Care Act and access to quality, affordable health care coverage. The outcome of this case could leave millions of Americans and hundreds of thousands of Mainers without health insurance.
Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, released the following statement:
“Right now, the United States is grappling with an unprecedented public health crisis that has left more than 200,000 Americans dead, left thousands with preexisting conditions and possible future health complications, left our economy struggling and left millions without jobs. The stakes couldn’t be higher. It’s why the ongoing effort to take health care away from millions of Americans and thousands of Mainers is so unbelievably cruel.
“In Maine, we have already taken action to enshrine the patient protections outlined in the ACA into state law, which includes requiring insurance companies to cover preexisting conditions, allowing children under 26 to remain on their parents’ health insurance, and making essential health care services available to all. But it would still leave more than 120,000 Mainers, who get coverage through the marketplace and Medicaid Expansion, without health insurance.
“Maine families are already bracing themselves for the cold winter months ahead, wondering what they will do if their kids can’t go to school or how they will make ends meet if their job is a victim of the pandemic. And this is on top of worrying about how they can keep their children and elderly parents healthy and safe. The last thing they should have to worry about is whether the ACA will be there when they need it most.
“We are going to be picking up the pieces in the wake of this pandemic for years to come. Making sure people have quality health care coverage and can get it outside of their employer is vital to getting through this pandemic and rebuilding our economy.”
The Supreme Court has until June 2021 to issue a ruling on California v. Texas. In the meantime, individuals can continue to get health care coverage through the ACA.
The open enrollment period for the ACA ends Dec. 15. Individuals interested in exploring their options or enrolling in a health insurance plan through the ACA marketplace can learn more at www.coverme.gov. If Mainers have questions or concerns, they can call Maine Consumers for Affordable Health Care’s free Consumer Assistance Helpline at 1-800-965-7476 or visit www.mainecahc.org.
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