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Local leaders react to SCOTUS ruling on Affordable Care Act

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Posted at 12:35 PM, Jun 17, 2021
and last updated 2021-06-17 15:43:31-04

MICHIGAN — Local leaders in Michigan are reacting to the news that the U.S. Supreme Court has upheld the Affordable Care Act.

RELATED: Supreme Court upholds Affordable Care Act, keeping Obamacare in place

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said the ruling is a "victory for the health and well-being of every American."

“I am proud to be among the 20 attorneys general who fought to defend the Affordable Care Act and applaud this ruling alongside the millions of people who have worried about their benefits being stripped away. This decision from the United States Supreme Court rejecting the challenge to the ACA ensures the Act remains in place to protect the health and lives of millions of Americans by providing coverage and access to comprehensive treatments. In Michigan, that includes more than 1.7 million people with pre-existing conditions, more than 900,000 covered through Medicaid expansion, and more than 70,000 young adults on their parents’ coverage.”

Rep. Bill Huizenga said repealing the ACA without a replacement would be "bad policy" and dangerous."

“There is no doubt that Congress must restore and reassert its Article I authority. However, repealing the 2002 AUMF without replacing it with a modernized approach that addresses the current threats facing our nation is not only naïve, it’s dangerous.”

Sen. Gary Peters commended the decision, saying the ACA is "critical" for providing "quality, affordable health care" and protecting individuals with pre-existing conditions.

“Today’s decision is critical for upholding access to quality, affordable health care and protecting those with pre-existing health conditions. We’ve simply come too far to go back to the days when insurance companies called the shots on health care for millions of Michiganders, and I’ll continue fighting to protect and build on the progress we’ve made.

“I look forward to continuing to work with the Biden Administration to reduce costs: whether it’s holding drug companies accountable – allowing Medicare to negotiate lower prescription drug costs – or continuing to lower costs for Michiganders and folks across the country who purchase health insurance on their own.”

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan was also happy with the ruling.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is pleased that the Supreme Court ruled to uphold the Affordable Care Act, which has made health care more accessible. We believe everyone should have access to affordable health care, no matter who you are or where you live. The Affordable Care Act has expanded health care for more than 20 million Americans and has built a stronger foundation for a more affordable and equitable health care system.

Today’s ruling means Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan members will not experience any changes to their health care coverage. Our individual health insurance plans remain available on the Marketplace in all 83 Michigan counties, and our customers and members can expect to continue to receive the same high-quality health care Blue Cross has been helping Michiganders access for more than 80 years.