America without the ACA
We lost an American hero with the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. While many knew her as a champion for the rights of women, people of color, and unions, as a physician, I knew her to be a fierce advocate for the healthcare of all Americans. Instead of nominating someone who would uphold Americans’ ability to seek affordable healthcare, I was disappointed to see President Trump nominated Amy Coney Barrett, who has since been confirmed to the Supreme Court of the United States of America.
In 2017, Judge Barrett offered a scathing critique of the Supreme Court’s 2012 ruling in favor of the Affordable Care Act, arguing vehemently the law was unconstitutional. She also joined a nationwide petition opposing components of the ACA requiring insurance plans to cover contraceptives for women. In 2016, she broke judicial precedent and criticized President Obama for trying to “flip the balance” of the SCOTUS by nominating Merrick Garland. Now, ironically, she’ll be in a position to do the flipping herself.
As a doctor who has dedicated his life to caring for individuals, families, communities and our fellow Americans, it is clear to me Justice Barrett does not understand the importance of the Affordable Care Act.
During this time of economic turmoil and loss, there are over 20M Americans who rely on the Affordable Care Act, commonly referred to as “Obamacare,” for their healthcare coverage. The ACA protects Americans with pre-existing conditions, including myself and an additional 2 Million Ohioans, from being discriminated against due to their medical history.
The ACA prevented insurance companies from charging Americans more for preventive healthcare services, added needed funding to Medicare, and allowed young Americans stay on their parents’ plan until they are 26 years old.
The Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion, which Ohio accepted in 2013, has allowed 600,000 to get coverage. In comparison, the 11 states without Medicaid expansion have experienced twice as many uninsured residents during this crisis. Economists even caution a repeal of the Medicaid expansion could cost Ohio $5 billion.
In 2012, Justice Ginsburg joined a one vote majority in saving the Affordable Care Act; hundreds of thousands of Ohioans have significantly benefited in their healthcare due to that decision. Since then, Republicans have tried 70 times to repeal the law and called it a “disaster” without having a plan to improve Americans’ healthcare. Ohioans should realize all these services — and many lives- — are at stake with Justice Barrett on the bench.
On November 10th, President Trump and 18 Republican governors are bringing a case to the Supreme Court of the United States, to try to repeal the ACA once more. He openly pressured the Court to repeal the law, and by replacing Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg with Justice Barrett, President Trump might get his wish.
Millions of Americans have suffered medical and financial devastation caused by a lack of affordable medical care before the ACA, which is why I am fighting so hard now to protect the Affordable Care Act for my vulnerable patients, friends, family members, communities, and fellow Americans.
As a physician, I swore an oath to “First, do no harm”, and believe all Americans deserve universal, simple, and affordable healthcare, which could be provided by continued investment and development of the Affordable Care Act. The harm caused by Justice Barrett’s confirmation, and likely vote to repeal the ACA, will cripple our Ohio communities for years to come.
