Staying Fit
Millions of Americans, including workers who are without their jobs and health insurance because of the COVID-19 pandemic, would lose their coverage if the U.S. Supreme Court does not uphold the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), AARP says in a brief it filed Wednesday with the high court.
"The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the ACA's critical role as a stabilizing force in the nation's health care system,” says the brief AARP and AARP Foundation filed jointly with two other nonprofit advocacy organizations — the Center for Medicare Advocacy and Justice in Aging. “If this court finds that the ACA is invalid, millions of older adults will lose life-saving health care coverage and consumer protections they have relied on for years,” the brief also says.
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AARP is joining 17 states and many advocacy organizations in asking the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a December 2019 ruling by the Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit that found the law unconstitutional. The case was originally brought by 19 states — led by Texas — and two individuals that contended that the removal by Congress of the tax penalty on people who did not buy health insurance also invalidated the entire ACA.
"Unfortunately, we've seen attempts to undermine the Affordable Care Act time and time again,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP executive vice president and chief advocacy and engagement officer. “Now more than ever, the ACA is needed to provide access to more affordable health coverage.”
As of the end of April, more than 33 million people had lost their jobs since the coronavirus engulfed the nation and caused thousands of businesses to temporarily cease operations. Many have also lost their health insurance and have turned to the ACA to provide vital coverage.
The brief chronicles the experience of a 60-year-old New Jersey woman — identified as Ann G — who was laid off from her job because of the pandemic and was able to get health insurance through the ACA.
