What Does the Affordable Care Act Mean to You?

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, more than 20 million Americans gained health insurance for the first time and people with pre-existing conditions no longer have to worry about their insurance company denying them care or raising their rates.

Today, 10 years since the law passed, these protections are in jeopardy. President Trump and congressional Republicans are supporting a lawsuit to overturn the entire Affordable Care Act. The case has made its way through the lower courts and is now scheduled to be heard by the Supreme Court on November 10th. With a Supreme Court vacancy in front of the Senate, the health care of millions of Americans hangs in the balance.

If this lawsuit succeeds, it would be a catastrophe. Millions would lose their insurance and protections for people with pre-existing conditions would be gone. I want to make it clear just how important these protections really are. That’s why I’m asking you to share your stories.

Because of the Affordable Care Act:

• Insurance companies can’t refuse coverage for someone with a pre-existing condition, or charge them more. And they won't face lifetime coverage limits. 

• Young people can stay on their parents' health insurance up to age 26.

• Individuals and families without employer coverage can use the Access Health CT marketplace to get comprehensive health insurance, with roughly half qualifying for subsidies to bring down the premium cost.

• More at-risk individuals have access to our state’s Medicaid program, HUSKY.

• Health plans must cover 10 Essential Health Benefits like hospitalizations, emergency care, wellness and chronic disease management visits, and prescription drugs.

• Large employers must provide a private space (that is not a bathroom) for nursing and pumping.