California Association of Health Plans Issues Statement on Federal Court Ruling Striking Down ACA

SACRAMENTO, California, Dec. 17 -- California Association of Health Plans issued the following statement by President and CEO Charles Bacchi regarding the District Court decision in Texas vs. U.S. on the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act:

"The California Association of Health Plans is strongly opposed to the District Court's decision to strike down the ACA. The ACA has made it possible for more than 93 percent of Californians to have health coverage and has allowed us to significantly reduce the uninsured population here in California - providing much needed access to crucial health care benefits that lead to a better quality of life for all Californians.

"Although this decision has created confusion about the future of the ACA, the law is still currently in effect and will continue to be through 2019. Therefore, California's health plans will continue to ensure that people have access to the care they need.

"Covered California has extended the open enrollment deadline until December 21, giving people even more time to sign up for 2019 coverage starting January 1, 2019. In the meantime, California's health plans are dedicated to building upon the gains we have made through the ACA and we will continue working to close the uninsured gap, improve affordability, and encourage state leaders to enact a state based requirement to buy coverage."