Health Care At Stake for Millions of Americans

Contact: Amanda Lang, Director of Marketing and Communication
917-886-0336

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) released the following statement today in response to the Supreme Court’s decision to hear a case that will determine the fate of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Chief Policy Officer Jody Rabhan made the following statement:

“Today, the Supreme Court agreed to hear a case that could save health care for tens of millions of Americans — or destroy it. In December, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals invalidated the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) individual mandate clause, which is the essential provision that keeps premiums low and health coverage accessible for American families — the key promise of the ACA.

“Let’s be clear: gutting the individual mandate would lead to tens of millions of Americans losing vital protections and critical health benefits, including coverage for the 135 million people with pre-existing conditions. Dropping the mandate will disproportionately affect those most unable to afford health care: individuals and families living in poverty, people of color, women, immigrants, LGBTQI individuals, individuals with disabilities, seniors, and individuals with limited English proficiency.

“Furthermore, the ACA has been instrumental in covering a wide range of health services, ensuring individuals have access to contraception and reproductive health care services, including well visits, mammograms, lactation counselling and supplies, at no cost to the patient. Dropping the mandate puts the entirety of the ACA in jeopardy.

“Jewish tradition teaches that each of us is made in the image of the divine — b’tselem Elohim (Genesis 1:26) — meaning every single person’s health is paramount and unassailable. We have an obligation to protect our bodies and ensure others can do the same. NCJW was proud to play a role in the enactment of the ACA, and we won’t stop fighting for it now. We look forward to working with Congress to safeguard ongoing and continued access to high quality, affordable health care for 20 million Americans.”

The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms.