AOA Statement on District Court Ruling the Affordable Care Act Unconstitutional

CHICAGO, Illinois, Dec. 19 -- The American Osteopathic Association issued the following news release:

The American Osteopathic Association is deeply concerned about the potential impact that Friday's ruling could have on the health care system and physicians' ability to care for their patients.

Should it withstands an appeal, this ruling would remove important patient and consumer protections, including those specific to people with pre-existing conditions. Medicaid expansion will also be affected, threatening access to care for the nation's most vulnerable citizens.

"As osteopathic physicians, we support policies that increase access to affordable health care coverage and ensure that patients aren't denied comprehensive, cost-effective insurance because of their existing medical conditions," said William S. Mayo, DO, president of the American Osteopathic Association. "There is certainly room to improve upon the Affordable Care Act, but dramatically increasing the number of uninsured Americans is not progress for patients, the nation or the overall health care system."

The AOA is calling on Congress and the administration to ensure that no one loses their insurance coverage as a result of this decision. As the court's decision is appealed, the Affordable Care Act will remain in place.