Maryland Congressional Delegation Applauds Obamacare Ruling

PHOTO: Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, court photo

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The U.S. Supreme Court announced Thursday that it has sided with the Obama administration over its major healthcare overhaul, upholding federal subsidies across the country.

In a 6-3 ruling, the nation’s highest court ruled that critics’ reading of Obamacare might make sense in isolation, but not when viewed in a larger context and in light of the intention of the law, according to ABC News.

It’s the second time the high court, ABC News points out, and Chief Justice John Roberts — has backed controversial portions of Obamacare. The first ruling was in 2012. Read a transcript of the March 4 oral argument here.

Congressman Chris Van Hollen released the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision in King v. Burwell ruling that individuals who get their health insurance through exchanges established by the federal government will remain eligible for tax subsidies:

“The Supreme Court today, for the second time, affirmed the legality of the Affordable Care Act in a decision that assures the law will continue to improve the health and wellbeing of millions of Americans. Republicans in Congress must now give up their ludicrous crusade to delegitimize and dismantle this lifesaving law which, as the Congressional Budget Office indicated last week, also puts America on a more sustainable fiscal path. The Affordable Care Act has truly empowered families and changed health care in our country for the better.”

Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer said the law’s subsidies are to be made available to every consumer, whether they get their health care through the federal marketplace or through state-based marketplaces.

He added, “The Affordable Care Act is working, helping millions access quality, affordable coverage and slowing the growth in health care spending to its lowest rate in half a century. Republicans in Congress should think twice before holding further votes, beyond the 60 they already have held, to undo the critical patient protections and cost savings the Affordable Care Act provides.”

U.S. Senator Ben Cardin also applauded the ruling, saying that users of the system can exhale in relief. He added:

“Because of the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies can no longer discriminate against sick people, women can’t be charged more for their health care, and young adults getting their start in the world can stay on their parents’ health plans. Health care costs are being reined in, and millions of Americans finally have gained security and stability through affordable health coverage. More than 80 percent of Americans who purchased their health care coverage through one of the health exchanges is satisfied with their health insurance.”

Rep. Elijah E. Cummings also weighed in: “It’s time for Republicans to stop attacking this incredibly successful law—which will save hundreds of billions of dollars in the next ten years—and focus on ensuring that every American has access to the benefits of the Affordable Care Act.”

Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards (MD-4) said the court correctly interpreted Congress’ aim to make health insurance affordable for millions of Americans.

“With the Supreme Court once again upholding the legitimacy of the ACA, it is long overdue that we stop wasting time and resources fighting these old political battles. We must work together and focus on addressing the challenges ahead, including long-term transportation funding, ensuring college affordability and reducing student debt, and providing quality, affordable child care.”

Congressman John Sarbanes also cheered the court’s decision: “Despite more than 60 attempts by Republicans to repeal the ACA and two Supreme Court challenges, it’s been proven over and over again that this law is constitutional and that it’s working. After today’s decision, all Americans – regardless of where they live – will continue to have access to premium tax credits so that they can get the high-quality, affordable health care they deserve.”