Reactions to the Affordable Health Care Act decision

Dian Cooper, Family Health Center

Cooper, executive director of the Cowlitz Family Health Center, which operates clinics in Cathlamet, Long Beach and in Cowlitz County, said Monday that the decision will enable the health center to proceed with plans for service in the region it covers.

"We'll be able to expand access for service," she said. For example, the center plans to open a new clinic in Kelso from funds that will come through the Affordable Health Care Act.

"Most of the patients we're serving and who are uninsured will be able to purchase insurance through the exchange or they'll be covered through the state's expansion of Medicaid service."

It will be a challenge for all clinics to find providers, she added.

"It will be challenging, but Wahkiakum County has a couple solid providers who are committed to the community," she said. "The whole nature of the community is so supportive that it makes it easier to recruit providers."

Jay Inslee,

Democratic candidate for governor

"What this means for Washingtonians is that insurance companies can no longer deny people coverage based on pre-existing conditions; there can be no caps on lifetime coverage; young men and women just starting out on their career paths can stay on their parents' insurance until the age of 26; and prescription drugs will become more affordable with the closing of the so-called Medicare donut hole.

"Now, with this issue settled by the Supreme Court, let’s all focus on the most pressing issue we face – getting our economy moving again by creating good-paying jobs for the middle-class."

Rob McKenna,

Republican candidate for governor

McKenna was one of the 26 state attorney generals who were the petitioners in the case. The states argued that the Constitution’s Commerce Clause allows Congress to regulate commerce among the states but does not allow it to force Americans to engage in commerce. A majority of the Court agreed but the Court ultimately ruled that the mandate is constitutional under Congress’s taxing power.

“Our system of government provides a series of checks and balances, allowing new laws—especially ones that raise major constitutional questions—to be tested in court,” McKenna said in a AGO news release. “While we’re disappointed that this close decision did not find in the states’ favor with regard to the individual mandate, the country benefits from a thoughtful debate about the reach of federal power into the legal rights of the states and the personal financial decisions of all Americans.”

Governor Chris Gregoire

“I applaud today’s Supreme Court decision. Since the Affordable Health Care Act was signed by the President, we have worked tirelessly to implement it in our state, with my firm belief that it was constitutional and would ultimately withstand legal challenge. I’m extremely pleased that the majority of the Court agreed on the merits of the law highlighted in the briefs that I and others submitted on its behalf.

“The real winners today, however, are the millions of Americans and Washingtonians who have and will now continue to benefit from this Act. Among them are more than 50,000 young adults in our state who have gained insurance coverage through their parents’ plan, our more than 60,000 seniors who’ve annually received assistance to purchase needed prescription drugs, and the millions here that are no longer subject to unfair practices by insurance companies. And with this cloud of legal uncertainty removed, I look forward to the day not long from now when more than 800,000 people in our state will be able to use our Health Benefit Exchange to get the health insurance that they need but currently must go without.”

Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler

"I’m very pleased the Supreme Court chose to uphold the Affordable Health Care Act,” said Kreidler. “We’ve been busy for two years now implementing the reforms and have made great progress, but there’s a lot left to do before 2014. With the court decision out of the way, we can continue our focus on where it should be – bringing relief to families struggling to find quality, affordable health insurance.”

Kriedler said Washington state is well ahead of most states in reforming its health care system. Many reforms are currently in place, he said, but key benefits and programs take effect in 2014, including Washington’s new Health Exchange, federal subsidies to help 477,000 people afford health insurance, an expansion of Medicaid for 328,000 poor childless adults and the ban on insurance companies from denying people coverage if they’re sick.

Senator Patty Murray

“This is a victory for the health care security and stability of Washington families. Today’s ruling means that families and small business owners will continue to benefit from better access, more choices, and a health care system that no longer works only for those who can afford it. It means that health care decisions will be in the hands of patients and their doctors, and that insurance companies will be forced to compete for the business of Washington state families.

“This law is the product of the stories and struggles of millions of Americans, including countless Washington state families that shared their stories with me. Over the last three years I have heard from young people who couldn’t find affordable coverage, seniors facing the Medicare donut hole, and everyday Washingtonians who were suddenly faced with catastrophic illnesses.

“Today, with this ruling, my hope is that they have been provided peace of mind knowing that the change they fought for has not been defeated.”

Senator Maria Cantwell

"This is an important step in upholding a law that will help drive down the cost of health care and increase access to those who don't have coverage. Many important provisions will help reward the state of Washington for its cost-effective, outcome-based delivery system.

“It means people can’t be denied insurance for preexisting conditions. It means small businesses will get tax breaks for providing health insurance. It means cheaper prescription drugs for seniors and it means young adults will be able to stay on their parents health insurance. It ends unfair penalties on Washington providers who deliver quality health care at a lower cost than other regions around America and it ensures Washington state's Basic Health Plan will continue to serve as a national model for expanding access to care using bulk purchasing power. And it helps to build Washington state’s future health care workforce."

Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Buetler

"I was disappointed in today’s ruling because of the health care law’s failure to address our biggest health care challenges, as well as the expansion of federal power this decision implies.

"Two years after the massive government health care bill was passed, families and seniors are still grappling with skyrocketing health care costs. A recent Kaiser Family Foundation report shows that Americans will continue paying higher health insurance premiums while having fewer plans to choose from. The Supreme Court’s decision won’t help folks gain greater access to coverage or lower health care costs in this difficult economy. I still support repealing and replacing this bill with solutions that will empower patients, and put them at the center of their health care.

"Unfortunately, concerns over the bill’s impact on our economy continue. This court case was brought forth by the National Federation of Independent Business -- America’s leading voice for small businesses -- due to law’s negative impacts on those job creators. I won’t take my eyes off of Southwest Washington’s need for economic recovery and jobs.

"I have always believed that people deserve access to quality health care that meets their needs, from a doctor they choose, at a price they can afford. Those are things I’ve fought for since my days as a state legislator. Today’s events only solidify my commitment to patient-centered solutions that make health care affordable.”