FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 21, 2020

CONTACT: Kathy Melley, (617) 791-0708

(BOSTON, MA) – Statement of Emily Stewart, executive director of Community Catalyst, regarding today’s decision by the U.S. Supreme Court not to undertake an expedited review of the Health Care Repeal Lawsuit, Texas v. California.

“Today’s decision by the high court not to take up the Health Care Repeal Lawsuit leaves the ultimate fate of the Affordable Care Act unresolved and the health and health care of people across the country hanging in the balance. While it is unclear how the high court would ultimately rule on this politically-motivated lawsuit to overturn the Affordable Care Act (ACA), we’re dismayed by the court’s decision not to take up the case for expedited review.

“Patient groups, hospitals and insurers all came together to highlight the immense uncertainty created by this dangerous lawsuit. The court’s decision today leaves the fate of tens of millions of people who could lose health coverage protections for pre-existing health conditions, and access to treatment for substance use disorders and mental health, maternal care, and more, up in the air. One thing we know for sure is that the Trump administration and others will continue to chip away at ACA.

“The Trump administration and the governors and attorneys general pushing this lawsuit should instead listen to the American people, the majority of whom support the ACA and the protections enshrined in the law. The ongoing attacks on the ACA through Congress, the courts and the administration have caused tremendous harm and anxiety for people across this country. We expect this case will come before the Supreme Court down the road and hope the Supreme Court will do the right thing – to reaffirm the constitutionality of the ACA once and for all.”

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About Community Catalyst
Community Catalyst is a national, non-profit consumer advocacy organization founded in 1998 with the belief that affordable quality health care should be accessible to everyone. We work in partnership with national, state and local organizations, policymakers and philanthropic foundations to ensure consumer interests are represented wherever important decisions about health and the health system are made: in communities, statehouses and on Capitol Hill. For more information, visit www.communitycatalyst.org. Follow us on Twitter @HealthPolicyHub.