Governor Whitmer, Michigan Officials Celebrate U.S. Supreme Court Decision That Upholds the Affordable Care Act

June 17, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE       

June 17, 2021                                                          

Contact: Laura Hall, halll17@michigan.gov 

Governor Whitmer, Michigan Officials Celebrate U.S. Supreme Court Decision That Upholds the Affordable Care Act 

 LANSING, Mich. – Today, State of Michigan officials celebrated the United States Supreme Court’s 7-2 decision that upholds the Affordable Care Act in California v. Texas.  

 “Every Michigander deserves access to quality, affordable health care, and today’s Supreme Court decision is a victory for all Michiganders,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “The high quality, affordable health coverage provided under the Affordable Care Act is an essential part of our plan to help Michigan build back better. It’s the reason why I worked with both Democrats and Republicans to expand coverage to more than 900,000 Michiganders through the Healthy Michigan Plan, and it’s why I will continue working to protect health care for people across the state. We applaud this decision and will continue our efforts to ensure all Michiganders have access to comprehensive and affordable health insurance” 

 “I am proud to be among the 20 attorneys general who fought to defend the Affordable Care Act and applaud this ruling alongside the millions of people who have worried about their benefits being stripped away,” said Attorney General Dana Nessel. “This decision from the United States Supreme Court rejecting the challenge to the ACA ensures the Act remains in place to protect the health and lives of millions of Americans by providing coverage and access to comprehensive treatments.” 

 “With this decision, 20 million Americans, including more than 1 million Michiganders, can continue to have the security and peace of mind that comes from comprehensive health coverage available through provisions of the ACA,” said DIFS Director Anita Fox. “In addition, all Michiganders will continue to benefit from the protections established by the law, including coverage for preventive care, preexisting conditions, and coverage for young adults through their parents’ plans.” 

“The Supreme Court ruling is great news for the more than 900,000 Michiganders who have access to health care coverage under our Healthy Michigan Plan,” said Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Director Elizabeth Hertel. “They can keep their health insurance. The Affordable Care Act gave Michigan the opportunity to create the bipartisan Healthy Michigan Plan. As a result, hundreds of thousands of people in our state are able to lead healthier lives, be more productive, and realize their dreams. MDHHS will continue to work to expand access to health care coverage.” 

 Millions of Michiganders benefit from the ACA every day, including: 

  • More than 900,000 Healthy Michigan Plan beneficiaries who are covered by Michigan’s Medicaid expansion program allowed by the ACA.
  • Nearly 300,000 Michiganders who get coverage in the Health Insurance Marketplace created by the ACA, and 250,000 of them receive federal tax subsidies to lower their monthly health insurance premiums.
  • More than 70,000 young adults who are insured through their parents.
  • More than 200,000 seniors and people with disabilities who save on prescription drugs through expanded drug coverage.
  • More than 6 million insured Michiganders who do not have to pay out-of-pocket for preventive services such as flu shots, vaccines, mammograms, and screenings for heart disease, cancer, depression, diabetes, and more.
  • More than 1.7 million Michiganders with pre-existing conditions who can access coverage without fear of insurance company denials.

 A special enrollment period is open to all Michiganders until August 15 on HealthCare.gov, the Health Insurance Marketplace created under the Affordable Care Act. This enables consumers to buy new coverage or to change health plans to better suit the needs of their families during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. This enrollment opportunity, coupled with the expanded tax subsidies offered by the American Rescue Plan, gives consumers a strong incentive to obtain or upgrade Marketplace health coverage before the August 15 enrollment deadline. 

 DIFS can help consumers with health insurance questions and complaints and can provide information about the Health Insurance Marketplace. Contact DIFS Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 877-999-6442 or Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance.  

 The mission of the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services is to ensure access to safe and secure insurance and financial services fundamental for the opportunity, security, and success of Michigan residents, while fostering economic growth and sustainability in both industries. In addition, the Department provides consumer protection, outreach, and financial literacy and education services to Michigan residents. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/DIFS or follow the Department on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.  

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