Shortly after President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law, anti-health care activists filed suit in federal court, trying to block the law from taking effect. According to FamiliesUSA, “of the dozens of cases filed to challenge the Affordable Care Act, four cases that deal with the substance of the law have reached the appellate level. Two courts (the Sixth Circuit and DC circuit) upheld the entire law. One court (the Fourth Circuit) dismissed the case as premature. One court (the Eleventh Circuit) struck down the individual responsibility provision, but left the rest of the law in place.”
The Supreme Court has agreed to review the Eleventh Circuit’s decision in Florida et al. v. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, et al. Brought by the National Federation of Independent Businesses, the attorneys general of 26 states, and several individuals, the Supreme Court has divided the case into four questions. It will hear arguments from March 26-28 and is expected to issue a decision by late June.
As an organization committed to the provision of high quality, accessible and affordable care for all, the WCC promotes policies to achieve universal health care coverage. While no one can predict how the Court will rule, we can still have an impact on their decision: join us and show that you support our health care rights and want to see them upheld. Get informed, take action, and make a difference:
Get Informed:
- Learn about the four questions and corresponding arguments. The Supreme Court has divided the case into four separate questions. Inform your advocacy with a clear understanding of these questions and the arguments against and in support of the Affordable Care Act.
- Explore court decisions about the Affordable Care Act. Already, 19 courts have either held up or dismissed the challenge to the law, two courts have upheld most of the law but ruled the individual mandate unconstitutional, and two courts have struck down more than one provision of the Affordable Care Act. See an interactive map here, based on information from Kasier Health News.
- Meet the key players. From President Barack Obama and HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) and Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, meet the people involved in the Supreme Court case.
Take Action:
- Sign FamiliesUSA’s “People’s Amicus Brief.” An amicus (friend of the court) brief allows stakeholders to share their insight on a case before the Court. Signing onto the “People’s Amicus Brief” is a great way to show the Justices that the law is working and that Americans support the Affordable Care Act. Be sure to share this brief with at least five of your friends, and ask them to join you in standing up for our health care rights.
- Share your story. If you are or someone you know is benefiting from provisions of the Affordable Care Act, sharing your story is a great way to emphasize the importance of the law. Go online today and tell your story to show how health reform is making a difference.
- Write a letter to the editor. Get the word out to those in your community about the difference the Affordable Care Act is making to families in our neighborhoods. Click here to submit a letter to the editor of your local paper and spread the word.
- Share on Facebook. Create your own message or use this sample post from FamiliesUSA to tell everyone on Facebook the importance of this fight: On March 26, the Supreme Court is hearing the anti-health care challenge to the Affordable Care Act. Judges on both sides of the political spectrum have upheld the law, but part of what will influence the Justices’ decision is hearing that the Affordable Care Act is working. Show your support by signing the “People’s Amicus Brief” today! http://bit.ly/x7btTF
- Share on Twitter. Create your own tweet or use this sample from FamiliesUSA to share the importance of this fight with your followers: #SCOTUS is reviewing #hcr. Sign this “People’s Amicus Brief” to show your support for #ACA. #itworks & #itslegal http://bit.ly/x7btTF
Health care is a basic human right which must be guaranteed: it should be universal, comprehensive, affordable and cost efficient, accountable, and consumer oriented. With your support, we can work to protect the health reform that is helping families across the country. Help us show the Supreme Court Justices that the law is working and that we support the Affordable Care Act.
