A Historic Victory: Supreme Court Upholds Obamacare
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Today we’re celebrating a historic victory for women and families across the country: the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act — one of the greatest advancements in women’s health in a generation. After two years of legal limbo (remember that law suits were filed the same day it was passed) we can finally breathe a sigh of relief and talk concretely about what the law means.
Because of the decision to uphold the law, women and their families will now have the certainty of access to affordable, quality care. Being a woman will no longer be considered a preexisting condition — insurance companies will not be able to charge women higher premiums, nor will women be denied coverage for “pre-existing conditions” like pregnancy, and millions will gain access to birth control and lifesaving cancer screenings without co-pays.
Obamacare has already made a tremendous impact on Americans’ lives: 45 million women have already received coverage for preventive health screenings with no co-pay, including lifesaving cancer screenings and Pap tests, and 3.1 million young adults have already been able to stay on their parents’ insurance up until the age of 26. And starting August 1, women will be able to save up to $600 dollars a year (that’s the equivalent of 175 gallons of milk) when birth control is treated like any other preventive prescription and is available without co-pays or deductibles.
As President Obama said in his statement about the decision, “Whatever the politics, today's decision was a victory for people all over this country, whose lives will be more secure because of this law, and the Supreme Court's decision to uphold it." Individuals will not have to worry about the cost of getting sick, or the cost of getting well.
Not everyone is celebrating this historic victory. Only hours after the decision was released, Mitt Romney appeared before the cameras where he reiterated his commitment to overturn the law despite the court’s decision. “What the Court did not do on its last day in session, I will do in my first day if elected President of the United States. And that is I will act to repeal Obamacare."
As Romney said, "Our mission is clear. If we want to replace Obamacare, we’re going to have to replace President Obama."
The contrast in their reactions is a pretty darn clear contrast that shows why Planned Parenthood Action Fund has endorsed President Obama. The Romney camp is already gearing up for a huge fight, and they're hoping to hearken back to the days when insurance companies could discriminate against women and pregnancy could be considered a pre-existing condition.
Mitt Romney wants to take away the benefits and savings provided by the Affordable Care Act, leaving millions of women without care and with increased costs to show for it. Women’s health may well be a decisive issue for voters in this election. Women are watching!
