Trump Lawsuit Puts Our Health Care at Risk – When We Need It Most
News: 2020 Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara released a statement after the U.S. Supreme Court announced it would hear arguments in the Trump Administration case that seeks to destroy the Affordable Care Act:
“The Trump Administration continues to seek ways to destroy health security for millions of Americans at a time when we could not need it more. With millions gaining health care because of the Affordable Care Act and the expanding threat from coronavirus, the Trump Administration lawsuit puts Americans’ health at risk. If the U.S. Supreme Court finds in favor of the Trump Administration, health care protections we rely on could disappear:
- Protections for persons with pre-existing health conditions such as asthma and cancer – GONE
- Coverage of children on their parents’ insurance until age 26 – GONE
- Vaccinations at no cost – GONE
- Federal ban on insurance discrimination against women – GONE
- Limits on patient out-of-pocket costs – GONE
- Subsidies that help almost 10 million Americans afford coverage – GONE
- Medicaid expansion that made coverage available to almost 17 million Americans, including more than 5 million Californians – GONE
- Medicare improvements for seniors, including reduced prescription drug costs – GONE
- Essential health benefits requirements, including requirements for coverage of preventive care -- GONE
- Insurance company accountability, including limiting the amount of premiums that can go to profit and administrative expenses – GONE
“I, and my office, fully support Attorney General Xavier Becerra in vociferously defending the Affordable Care Act because too much is at stake for Californians.”
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Media notes:
- The Supreme Court action in Texas v. U.S. means that the Supreme Court will hear arguments in the Affordable Care Act case in October or November 2020, with a decision expected in Spring 2021.
Led by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, the California Department of Insurance is the consumer protection agency for the nation's largest insurance marketplace and safeguards all of the state’s consumers by fairly regulating the insurance industry. Under the Commissioner’s direction, the Department uses its authority to protect Californians from insurance rates that are excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory, oversee insurer solvency to pay claims, set standards for agents and broker licensing, perform market conduct reviews of insurance companies, resolve consumer complaints, and investigate and prosecute insurance fraud. Consumers are urged to call 1-800-927-4357 with any questions or contact us at www.insurance.ca.gov via webform or online chat. Non-media inquiries should be directed to the Consumer Hotline at 800-927-4357. Teletypewriter (TTY), please dial 800-482-4833.