CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE STATEMENT ON KING V. BURWELL DECISION
We have achieved an historic reduction in the uninsured – the largest over any period since the early 1970s, stated Congresswoman Jackson Lee
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee released the following statement after the Supreme Court announced its decision in King v. Burwell:
"Today, for the second time, the Supreme Court has upheld the Affordable Care Act. This is a victory for common sense and for all American families. It is long past time for Republicans to abandon their assault on the newfound health security that the Affordable Care Act is providing millions and millions of Americans across the country.
"At the end of Open Enrollment on February 15, 1,189,316 Texas consumers had selected a plan or were automatically re-enrolled in Marketplace coverage. 86 percent of Texas consumers who were signed up as of January 30 qualify for an average tax credit of $242 per month through the Marketplace. As of January 30, in the 37 States using the HealthCare.gov platform, the average advance premium tax credit covers about 72 percent (or $268) of the gross premium, and tax credits will reduce premium costs across the 37 States by over $1 billion a month.
"Over the months the consumers in Texas sent a clear message: The Affordable Care Act is working, and the quality health coverage offered through the Health Insurance Marketplace is an affordable product that consumers want. In the final day of Open Enrollment, more new consumers signed up for health coverage than any other day this open enrollment or last.
"It is easy to understand why consumers were enthusiastic: 80 percent of Texas Marketplace enrollees as of December 2014 could have obtained coverage for $100 or less after any applicable tax credits in 2015. Health insurers sent a message as well. They competed for consumers' business. In Texas, consumers could choose from 15 issuers in the Marketplace in 2015 – up from 12 in 2014. Texas consumers could choose from an average of 31 health plans in their county for 2015 coverage – up from 25 in 2014.
"We have achieved an historic reduction in the uninsured – the largest over any period since the early 1970s. Furthermore, in 2014, hospitals saved an estimated $5.7 billion in uncompensated care costs because of the Affordable Care Act, with states that have expanded Medicaid seeing about 74 percent of the total savings nationally, compared to states that have not expanded Medicaid.
"The Court's decision ensures that all eligible Americans, regardless of their home states, have the access to premium tax credits to afford life-saving health care. American workers and middle-class families will continue to enjoy the benefits of quality, accessible health care and dependable, affordable health coverage."
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