Planned Parenthood on U.S. Supreme Court Hearing Arguments that Challenge the Affordable Care Act, Risking Health Care for Millions
CALIFORNIA – Today, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments around the Affordable Care Act (ACA) as California takes center stage in California v. Texas.
California’s health care landscape is integrally tied to the provisions of the ACA, as well as the $27 billion in federal funding generated from the ACA for California—most of which supports Medi-Cal safety-net programs. As we struggle against the dual public health crises of COVID-19 and systemic racism nationally and in California, the implications of gutting safety-net programs would be devastating for California’s Black, Latinx, and Indigenous communities who are already grappling with disparities within the health care system.
Statement from Jodi Hicks, President/CEO, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California:
“The relentless attacks from the Trump administration on the Affordable Care Act amidst a global pandemic were already unconscionable. If the U.S. Supreme Court moves forward in striking down all or part of the ACA, it would have devastating effects upon millions of Americans in a time when we need more health care access—not less.
“The ACA is the greatest health advancement for women’s health and sexual and reproductive health care in a generation. From no out-of-pocket costs for birth control, prohibitions for gender discrimination, and Medicaid eligibility expansion, the ACA has led to historical expansions in health care. In California, we’ve seen the largest reduction in uninsured rate than any other state, evident across all patient demographics, with 90% of women in California insured because of the ACA. The ACA has become integral to California’s health care landscape, including for safety-net providers like Planned Parenthood.
“While we’re honored to have California Attorney General Becerra’s leadership in defending the ACA at the Supreme Court, Planned Parenthood in California also looks to the California Legislature and Governor’s Administration to double down in their work to ensure health care remains accessible and protected within our state—no matter what happens at the Supreme Court.”
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Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California (PPAC) is the state public policy office representing California’s seven separately incorporated Planned Parenthood affiliates. Through advocacy and electoral action, PPAC promotes sound public policy in areas of sexual and reproductive health care and sex education.