Ferguson: “Validation of the Affordable Care Act a victory for health”

June 28, 2012

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Metropolitan King County Councilmember Bob Ferguson released the following statement today in response to the announcement of the landmark Supreme Court decision upholding the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act as constitutional:

“The Supreme Court’s validation of the Affordable Care Act is a victory for the health and well-being of all King County and Washington residents.

“With today’s decision, millions of Americans have the peace of mind knowing they will benefit from the law’s reforms, including access to more affordable prescription medication for seniors. Moreover, insurance companies can’t deny coverage for pre-existing conditions or impose lifetime limits on health benefits.

“Roughly one million Washington residents are uninsured, and the court’s favorable ruling is critical to moving forward with reforms that will bring us closer to ensuring all Americans have access to affordable health care.”

The King County Council passed a motion in 2010 acknowledging the benefits of health care reform and supporting implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. 

In 2010, Ferguson wrote a letter to the State Attorney General questioning the legal merit of joining the federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Over 100 attorneys joined the letter asking the Attorney General to reconsider his decision.