As Supreme Court Allows the Affordable Care Act to Stand, Efforts to Expand Health Care Must Continue

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, the Supreme Court allowed the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to stand, protecting health care coverage for 29.8 million people. The case — brought by Republican state attorneys general and backed by the Trump administration — came as support for the ACA hit a record high in 2020. Its popular provisions include protections for people with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and asthma; coverage for young people on their parents’ plan through age 26; requiring insurance companies to cover essential health benefits including pregnancy, labor, and delivery; and guaranteeing coverage of preventive health benefits including birth control with no out-of-pocket costs. 

Statement from Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Federation of America: 

“Today’s decision by the Supreme Court protects the health of millions of people, and we are grateful to the attorneys general across the country who fought to protect our care. However, the Affordable Care Act shouldn’t have been at risk in the first place. In the midst of a devastating pandemic, the Trump administration and its state allies sowed fear and uncertainty by recklessly jeopardizing affordable health insurance, protections for people with preexisting conditions, and other critical health care needs. Access to health care — including sexual and reproductive care — is at the heart of building a more equitable society. Planned Parenthood Federation of America will continue to work with the Biden-Harris administration and the 117th Congress to reverse the Trump administration’s attacks on the ACA, including their restrictions on coverage of birth control and abortion. We’ll also seek to protect the gains made under the ACA, and introduce new, bold policies that expand access to health coverage and care for all of us.” 

The Biden-Harris administration and the majorities in the 117th Congress have promised to build on the ACA and expand access to quality, affordable health care for all. Thankfully, as part of its initial actions to expand access to health care — including sexual and reproductive health care — the administration initiated a three-month open enrollment period to give millions of people the ability to sign up for insurance under the ACA.

But much more must be done. To build on the ACA and expand sexual and reproductive health care in the U.S. and around the world, the Biden-Harris administration and Congress must work together to: 

• end the Hyde and Helms amendments;

• overturn the domestic gag rule and permanently end the global gag rule;

• continue selecting sexual and reproductive health champions for critical federal agencies and federal judgeships;

• address the maternal mortality crisis;

• reckon with systemic racism, injustice, and state-sanctioned violence in this country with serious, action-oriented steps that move our society towards equity in health care and beyond;

• and much more.

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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable sexual and reproductive health care for all people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect, and without judgment, striving to create equitable access to health care. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable education and information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives. Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports the independently incorporated Planned Parenthood affiliates operating health centers across the U.S.