Washington, DC – Melanie L. Campbell, president and CEO, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation and convener, Black Women’s Roundtable issued the following statement on Supreme Court Ruling On Health Care Reform:
“For decades the lack of access to health care has been a critical issue for low-income, middle-income and self-employed American’s. The historic ruling issued by the U.S. Supreme Court upholding the Affordable Care Act will have a major impact on families across the country. A healthy America is a better America.
“The Supreme Court’s decision will make health care accessible to millions of previously uninsured or underinsured Americans, including African Americans and young adults. It will also prevent insurance companies from unfairly charging women more than men, currently a common practice in the insurance industry.
“In addition to lowering the cost of health insurance overall, starting in 2014 the Affordable Care Act provides for tax credits for people who cannot afford health insurance, it stops insurance companies from denying coverage for pre-existing conditions or canceling a policy when someone gets sick. Also, the creation of new community health centers as well as the requirement for insurance companies to offer a variety of preventive services at no cost to consumers will save lives and money.
“On behalf of The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation’s Black Women’s Roundtable, we commend the Supreme Court justices for evaluating the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act through a non-partisan lens and making a decision that positively impacts all Americans. This is a historic victory for the nation.”