Earlier this week, the Senate voted to confirm Amy Coney Barrett’s appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court. NCIL and over 50 other national, state, and local disability rights organizations sent a letter (PDF) urging the Senate to oppose her nomination. NCIL opposed her nomination due to her history of decisions that have harmed the disability community, and in particular her vocal opposition to the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Despite her confirmation, NCIL will continue to fight to save the ACA. You may remember that NCIL, along with several other disability organizations, filed an amicus brief (PDF) in the court case that will soon be heard by the Supreme Court, and we will continue to advocate. The disability community played a huge role in saving the ACA in 2017, and we must do the same again. We will continue to fight, and we need your help.
Share Your Story
We need your stories of how the ACA has helped you, and how overturning the ACA would be harmful. Please share your stories with by using this online form or emailing [email protected]. We are extending the deadline for this request to Sunday, November 15, 2020. See below for information about some of the ways the ACA has helped people.
Additional Information on the ACA
Millions of people gained health insurance coverage because of the ACA, and would be at risk of losing it if the law is struck down. But that’s not all. Here are just a few of the ways the ACA has helped:
- Insurers cannot discriminate against people with pre-existing conditions. This means they cannot deny coverage, charge higher premiums, or refuse to cover care related to these conditions.
- Insurers are not allowed to impose lifetime or annual dollar limits.
- People who make under certain incomes are eligible for subsidies to purchase insurance.
- Young adults can remain on their parents’ insurance until age 26.
- All plans are required to cover certain minimum benefits. These are called Essential Health Benefits.
- Medicaid was expanded in 39 states (including DC).
- As a result of the various ways coverage has become more affordable and accessible, over 20 million people have gained health coverage.
- The Community First Choice Option (1915(k)) was established. This allows states to receive an increased FMAP for providing new or expanded home and community based services (HCBS).
- The Money Follows the Person demonstration program was reauthorized and expanded.
Please share your stories with us by Sunday, November 1, 2020!
