Catholic Health Association Issues Statement on Court Decision on Affordable Care Act

WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 -- The Catholic Health Association of the United States issued the following statement by President and CEO Sister Carol Keehan:

"The Catholic Health Association is very disappointed in the recent Texas federal district court decision on the Affordable Care Act. We profoundly disagree with it from a legal perspective. It is un-American and immoral to be aggressively seeking to take health insurance from the over 20 million people who have finally received coverage through the ACA.

"This decision would also take away health security provisions from all insured Americans by eliminating protections for pre-existing conditions, the ability for children under 26 to remain on their parents' policies and co-pays for preventive health care, all of which have made a positive difference in the lives of many Americans. Efforts to undermine or overturn the ACA by elected officials who have a responsibility to act on behalf of their constituents is reckless, irresponsible and poses a major threat to the health of the American people.

CHA joined with several other organizations that represent hospitals and health systems in submitting an Amicus brief (https://www.chausa.org/docs/default-source/advocacy/061418-amicus-brief-in-aca-court-case-texas-v-u-s.pdf?sfvrsn=0) to the court in this lawsuit. We will continue to voice our opinion and concerns as the lawsuit is appealed and pledge to work with members of Congress to ensure that the many benefits of the Affordable Care Act remain in place. We all have a responsibility to promote quality health care for all Americans."