Empire Justice Center Statement: Supreme Court Ruling a Tremendous Victory for New Yorkers in Need of Health Care and for New York’s Economy

For Immediate Release

June 28, 2012

Contact: Trilby de Jung,  (585) 454-4060

The highly anticipated ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court, which upheld the Affordable Care Act (ACA), is a true victory for all New Yorkers in need of health care, for New York State and our state’s economy.

Right now there are 2.8 million New Yorkers with no health insurance, and many more who have inadequate coverage or coverage they cannot afford to use without being plunged into debt.  Today’s ruling means New York can continue on the bright path to reform – a path that has already begun to change this picture. 

Now New York will be able to provide an estimated $2.6 billion a year in federal subsidies to help those who still cannot afford health premiums, and we will be able to access a significant increase in federal funding for our Medicaid program, estimated at $2.3 billion annually.  This huge influx of federal funds will inevitably flow into our local economies creating a ripple effect that will help to stimulate local economies.  

With today’s ruling, community based organizations will also be able to continue to receive federal grants to assist consumers with enrollment, recertification and appeals in Medicaid, and in the future the Exchange, providing critical assistance in accessing health care while at the same time providing employment at the local level.  This is all to the benefit of New York families, individuals and businesses, to our communities.