Patients Are the Victors in Affordable Care Ruling, Says American Heart Association CEO

June 28, 2012

Washington, D.C., June 28, 2012 — American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown issued the following statement today on the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling upholding the Affordable Care Act:  

“The historic decision handed down today will benefit America’s heart health for decades to come. Questions about the Affordable Care Act’s constitutionality have overshadowed the law’s progress. With this ruling, that uncertainty has finally been put to rest.

By upholding the law, the nation’s highest court has sent a clear message that patients should be the first priority in an ever-changing healthcare arena.  The court’s action in support of the ACA helps remind us what’s really important – enabling all Americans to obtain affordable, quality health care. We can now build on the significant advances already achieved under the act and truly transform our healthcare system.

Because of this ruling, the ACA can be fully implemented to help reach the American Heart Association’s 2020 goal to improve the cardiovascular health of all Americans and, more immediately, prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes over the next five years through the Million Hearts initiative. Under the law’s robust provisions, we are expanding access to preventive care and medicines to reduce an individual’s risk factors; placing a stronger emphasis on community prevention and wellness; and providing access to the care patients need to recover after a heart attack or stroke so they can lead longer, more productive lives.

For the 122 million Americans with pre-existing conditions, including the 7.3 million with some form of heart disease or stroke who are uninsured, this decision will likely be met with a great sigh of relief.  No longer will they be denied coverage or charged higher premiums because of their health status.  Beginning in 2014, these Americans will finally be able to attain the lifesaving care they desperately need at a price they can afford.

The ACA has also placed an extraordinary emphasis on the one thing that can ultimately conquer heart disease and stroke – prevention.  For individuals, the law will continue to provide screening services that help keep risk factors such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, obesity and tobacco use in check. At the state and community levels, the Prevention and Public Health Trust Fund will continue to provide the tools and resources Americans require to eat better, be more physically active and live tobacco-free.

Each and every one of us will need health care at some point in our lives. With this momentous decision, the Supreme Court has ensured that when we are patients, we can focus on our healing and recovery, instead of worrying about whether we can obtain or afford the quality care we all deserve.”

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For Media: contact Retha Sherrod, (202) 785-7929; retha.sherrod@heart.org       

http://newsroom.heart.org/pr/aha/patients-are-the-victors-in-affordable-235918.aspx