I know there will be a lot of discussion today about the politics of all this, about who won and who lost. But that discussion completely misses the point. 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.
If you’re one of the more than 250 million Americans who already have health insurance, you will keep your health insurance—this law will only make it more secure and more affordable.
Insurance companies can no longer impose lifetime limits on the amount of care you receive. They can no longer discriminate against children with pre-existing conditions. They can no longer drop your coverage if you get sick. They can no longer jack up your premiums without reason.
They are required to provide free preventive care like check-ups and mammograms. Young adults under the age of 26 are able to stay on their parent’s health care plans. Seniors receive a discount on their prescription drugs.
And by this August, nearly 13 million of you will receive a rebate from your insurance company because it spent too much on things like administrative costs and CEO bonuses, and not enough on your health care. All of this is happening because of the Affordable Care Act.
Today, I’m as confident as ever that when we look back five years from now, or 10 years from now, or 20 years from now, we’ll be better off because we had the courage to pass this law and keep moving forward.