WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) issued the following statement on the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act:

“Today, the Supreme Court made a decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act that is in step with the Constitution and the majority of Americans."

“The law lowers costs, strengthens care, and – once fully implemented – will guarantee all Americans access to quality, affordable coverage while creating nearly 6 million new jobs in the health care sector. It is already saving seniors hundreds of dollars in prescription drug costs while offering free preventive services such as cancer screenings and routine vaccinations."

“Children can no longer be denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition – a protection that will be extended to all Americans in 2014. More than 3 million young people have been able to obtain insurance through their parents’ plan. And hundreds of thousands of small businesses have used tax credits provided under the law to offer coverage for 2 million workers."

“During my time in Congress, an overwhelming majority of Louisvillians have told me they want guaranteed access to health care, lower premium costs, and more choice in the insurance market. The Affordable Care Act accomplishes each of these goals. Casting my vote in favor of the law was my proudest moment in Congress, and today I join millions of Americans to celebrate again.”

Because of the provisions in the Affordable Care Act, Louisvillians are already seeing lower costs and better coverage:

- 5,800 young adults in the district now have health insurance.

- 11,900 seniors in the district received prescription drug discounts worth $7.2 million, an average discount of $610 per senior.

- 84,000 seniors in the district received Medicare preventive services without paying any co-pays, coinsurance, or deductibles.

- 32,000 children and 130,000 adults now have health insurance that covers preventive services without paying any co-pays, coinsurance, or deductibles.

- 530 small businesses in the district received tax credits to help maintain or expand health care coverage for their employees.

- $1.1 million in public health grants have been given to community health centers, hospitals, doctors, and other health care providers in the district to improve the community’s health.

- 9,000 to 40,000 children with pre-existing health conditions can no longer be denied coverage by health insurers.

Nationwide:

- 54 million Americans in private plans have received one or more free preventive services.

- In addition, in 2011, 32.5 million seniors received one or more free preventive services.  So far in 2012, 14 million seniors have already received these services.

- 105 million Americans no longer have a lifetime limit on their coverage.

- Up to 17 million children with pre-existing conditions can no longer be denied coverage by insurers.

- 6.6 million young adults up to age 26 have taken advantage of the law to obtain health insurance through their parents’ plan, of whom   3.1 million would be uninsured without this coverage.

- 5.1 million seniors in the ‘donut hole’ have saved $3.2 billion on their prescription drugs, an average of $635 per senior.

- In 2011, 2.3 million seniors had a free Annual Wellness Visit under Medicare.  So far in 2012, 1.1 million seniors have already had this free visit.

- In 2011, 360,000 small employers used the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit to help them afford health insurance for 2 million workers.