VA House Dems: “Historic decision…More Virginians have access to necessary health care”

Statement on U.S. Supreme Court Decision on Affordable Care Act

The United States Supreme Court today upheld President Obama’s landmark achievement, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA).

“This historic decision provides that more Virginians have access to necessary health care,” said Democratic Leader, David J. Toscano (D-Charlottesville). “The Affordable Care Act provides greater access while attacking the growing cost of medical care in the United States.”

“In the years since it was passed, the Affordable Care Act has made a dramatic difference in the lives of Virginians. Patients with pre-existing conditions have been able to purchase insurance without discrimination, lifetime limit caps have been removed, and patients on Medicare have received free preventive services and savings on prescription drugs,” said Caucus Chairman, Mark Sickles (D-Franconia).  “Not only will the Affordable Care Act continue to make significant differences in the lives of Virginians and provide quality health care services, it will provide regular care to many that, to date, could only be found in a hospital emergency room.”

“This ruling does not end the efforts to provide quality health care at reasonable costs to Virginians.  One key component of this will be the creation of a Virginia Health care Marketplace (the “Exchange”).  The Governor should immediately call the General Assembly into Special Session to complete the work necessary to ensure that Virginia is fully prepared to implement the Affordable Care Act by the creation of this Exchange,” said Delegate Toscano.