States Must Deliver Benefits and Insurance Protections of the Law

Mary Kay Henry, President of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) issued the following statement today in response to Judge Roger Vinson's ruling that the implementation of the Affordable Care Act can move forward while the Department of Justice appeals his earlier decision finding the Act to be unconstitutional.

Tonight, millions of working families are breathing a collective sigh of relief. Today's ruling confirms that the benefits of the law must move forward pending appeal, and that states and the insurance industry must adhere to the law and deliver its protections and benefits.

"These benefits include:

• Allowing young adults under age 26 to be covered through their parent's policy.
• Preventing insurance companies from refusing coverage based on pre-existing conditions.
• Stopping insurance companies from denying or stopping coverage if you get sick.
• Tax credits for small businesses that make health insurance more affordable.
• Prescription drug savings for millions of seniors and reducing waste, fraud, and abuse in the Medicare program.
• Expanding quality, affordable healthcare coverage to 32 million Americans, including 15 million children.

"Today marks a victory for hardworking Americans who are counting on the Affordable Care Act to protect them from the worst of insurance company abuses and to make quality healthcare more affordable and accessible. We are hopeful this victory will stem the campaign of confusion that those opposing the law are waging across this country. The men and women of SEIU will be reaching out to their friends, neighbors and communities to ensure that Americans understand the significance of today's ruling and know the facts about the law."

With 2.2 million members in Canada, the United States and Puerto Rico, SEIU is the fastest-growing union in the Americas. Focused on uniting workers in healthcare, public services and property services, SEIU members are winning better wages, healthcare and more secure jobs for our communities, while uniting their strength with their counterparts around the world to help ensure that workers--not just corporations and CEOs--benefit from today's global economy.

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