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Connecticut Democrats Line Up In Support Of Obamacare Ruling

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. -- Many of Connecticut's top officials -- all Democrats -- praised the U.S. Supreme Court decision Thursday to uphold the intent of the Affordable Care Act pertaining to individuals who get their health insurance through the exchange established by the federal government.

Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman is chairman of the Board of Access Health CT. The Supreme Court decision does not have a direct impact on Connecticut, which operates its own health care exchange.

Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman is chairman of the Board of Access Health CT. The Supreme Court decision does not have a direct impact on Connecticut, which operates its own health care exchange.

Photo Credit: File

The 6-3 decision validated that under the Affordable Care Act, federal subsidies are to be granted to all enrollees irrespective of if their state uses a state-based marketplace or a federally facilitated marketplace. 

“This is a good decision for Connecticut and the nation—I applaud the Supreme Court on this verdict," said Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman, chairman of the Board of Access Health CT. "The Governor and I established the state healthcare marketplace to ensure a broad insurance pool, to keep costs down, and to expand access to care for all of our residents—critical for strong communities and a strong economy.

"Today’s SCOTUS decision reinforces the commitment we made to our citizens several years ago—and ensures that residents in states throughout the country also have access to quality healthcare. Connecticut has taken a leadership role on the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, and I’m proud that in 2016 we will be the first state to operate a self-sustaining budget. But, most important are the 594,000 Connecticut enrollees who can now afford to see a doctor and get the care they need to live full, productive lives.”

U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Esty (D-5th District) also praised the decision. “The Supreme Court made the right decision today,” she said. “More than 16 million Americans now have access to affordable health coverage because of the Affordable Care Act. It was clearly Congress’ intent that taxpayers should have access to tax credits – whether they live in Connecticut, which chose to design its own health insurance exchange, or in one of the states that let the federal government create their citizens’ health care marketplace.

“I’m proud that Connecticut’s state-run marketplace is working well for the more than half-million residents it serves. Let’s be clear: individuals and families who purchased coverage through Access Health CT were never in danger of losing their tax credits. I hope that today’s decision will allow us to put politics aside and get back to working on ways to make our health care system more affordable and effective for all Americans.” 

Gov. Dannel Malloy said, “Today reminds us why we’re so proud to have built the best exchange in the nation. Unlike some other states, we embraced the Affordable Care Act, celebrated healthcare reform, and stood for progress by helping insure over 250,000 Connecticut residents. As a result, we built a system in Access Health CT that states across the country are trying to mirror.”

Access Health CEO Jim Wadleigh said, “While a different decision would not have directly impacted Connecticut, it would have negatively impacted millions of people across the country and added confusion here in Connecticut. Now that this ruling has been issued, we look forward to continuing our work for the people of Connecticut."

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