Oregon lawmakers, others react to ACA ruling

Oregon Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., cheered Thursday’s ruling upholding key provisions of the Affordable Care Act.

Wyden applauded the Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act by preserving tax credits for health insurance in states with federal health insurance marketplaces.

“Today, the Supreme Court has reached the same conclusion that has been so clear, to so many, for so long – Congress intended tax credits for all who qualified, no matter their ZIP code,” Wyden said.

“I applaud the court for reading the law correctly. This ruling should once and for all put to rest challenges to the Affordable Care Act.

“The ACA’s core purpose – which has been clear from the outset – is to help as many people as possible get affordable, high-quality health insurance. Tax credits are key to making that work. And today the court has affirmed Congress and the majority opinion of Americans.”

Wyden highlighted the majority opinion of Chief Justice John Roberts, who wrote: “Congress passed the Affordable Care Act to improve health insurance markets, not destroy them.”

Merkley, meanwhile, said:

“I’m relieved that millions of Americans will continue to have access to quality, affordable health insurance. This case never should ?have gone this far, but the Court made the right decision today.

“Now that this desperate attempt to upend the law at the expense of Americans’ well-being has failed, Democrats and Republicans should work together to make the health care system work efficiently and effectively for all Americans.”

The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services issued this release on the U.S. Supreme Court opinion in King v. Burwell, upholding tax credits for customers buying health insurance through both state and federal marketplaces.

“Oregon operates – and had always operated – a state-based marketplace, and we are pleased that the court recognized that status in its opinion today ,” said Patrick Allen, director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services.

Oregon’s health insurance marketplace moves from Cover Oregon to DCBS July 1 , 2015.

The department will continue to use the HealthCare.gov website but will perform all other marketplace responsibilities, such as most plan management responsibilities, in-person assisters/navigators program, consumer outreach and education, operations, and the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) marketplace.

The opinion has no impact on Oregon’s health reform efforts.

“We look forward to helping connect even more Oregonians with health coverage when open enrollment begins this fall, and continuing work with our state partners on efforts to reduce costs and improve quality of care,” Allen said.