6-17-21
Contact: Sarah Abel
Phone: 202-225-5506
Rep. Kind’s Statement on Supreme Court’s Decision to Uphold the Affordable Care Act for Third Time
Washington, DC—This morning, in a 7-2 decision, the Supreme Court upheld the Affordable Care Act—dismissing the partisan Texas v. U.S. lawsuit initially led by now-defeated Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel and Governor Scott Walker. If this lawsuit had been successful, it would’ve struck down protections for people with pre-existing conditions and the entirety of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), putting health care for 2.5 million Wisconsinites who live with a pre-existing condition and 207,000 Wisconsinites who purchased their health care on the ACA exchange at risk.
“Today is a great day. I’m thrilled to see the Supreme Court make the right decision on this case. The Affordable Care Act has provided millions of Wisconsinites with quality, affordable health care coverage and created protections for people with pre-existing conditions. If this lawsuit had been successful, over half of Wisconsinites could have lost their coverage,” said Rep. Ron Kind. “I hope this sends a clear message that the Affordable Care Act is here to stay. Now it’s on the Wisconsin State Legislature to step up and become the 40th state to expand Medicaid. Let’s stop using Wisconsinites’ health care as a political football.”
In September 2018, Rep. Kind called on former Attorney General Brad Schimel and former Governor Scott Walker to immediately withdraw from Texas v. U.S. (previously listed as Texas v. Azar). In April 2019, Governor Tony Evers and Attorney General Josh Kaul officially removed Wisconsin’s name and support from the lawsuit and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the ACA remains the law of the land.
Rep. Kind is also reminding Wisconsinites that a Special Enrollment Period is happening now. Until August 15, Wisconsinites can sign up for health insurance or make changes to their current plan, and they can also review their options and chose a plan that works best for them. The American Rescue Plan made health insurance coverage even more affordable, now most people can find a plan with no-cost preventive care and may be eligible for tax credits to assist with monthly premiums. To get covered or learn more about options, visit Healthcare.gov. If Wisconsinites have questions about accessing resources or need to be put in touch with the right person to help get signed up, they can call his office at 1-608-782-2558 or visit kind.house.gov.
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