Community Health Insurance Associations File Amicus Brief in Texas Vs. U.S.

WASHINGTON, April 1 -- The Alliance of Community Health Plans issued the following news release:

Ceci Connolly, President and CEO of the Alliance of Community Health Plans (ACHP), and Margaret A. Murray, Chief Executive Officer of the Association for Community Affiliated Plans (ACAP), made the following statements on Texas vs. U.S., a lawsuit in which the two associations today submitted a joint amicus curiae brief to highlight the harm its members will suffer if the district court's decision to strike the entire Affordable Care Act is upheld.

ACHP and ACAP represent not-for-profit, community-based health plans that cover a combined 40 million people in 39 states and the District of Columbia. Together, the associations' member plans serve about 50 percent of all members in Medicaid managed care. Several member health plans are nationally recognized for high-quality, in-network providers and outstanding health outcomes for their enrollees.

Ceci Connolly, President and CEO, Alliance of Community Health Plans:

"The Texas Court's decision puts future coverage at risk for more than 20 million Americans, particularly those with pre-existing conditions. It also jeopardizes recent Medicaid gains in states across the country, and would make Medicare beneficiaries pay more for health screenings and prescription drugs. We filed this brief because we believe in access to affordable, high-quality coverage and care. Our member health plans have stayed the course, regardless of website woes, legal drama and market instability. They've covered bare counties, sustained financial losses and remained committed to people in their communities."

Margaret A. Murray, CEO, Association for Community Affiliated Plans:

"Upholding this ruling would imperil coverage for millions of people by cutting off Marketplaces and cutting off funding for the Medicaid expansion. It would also have repercussions that the Administration has not likely contemplated, ranging from reopening the 'donut hole' in Part D plans to eliminating authority for Section 1332 waivers. It's curious that Congressional intent is a significant issue in this case. The 115th Congress could have chosen to repeal the entire ACA. They instead chose to zero out the penalty for the individual mandate while leaving the rest of the statute intact. Is there a clearer signal of intent than actions themselves?"

ACHP and ACAP are eager to work with the Administration and both parties in Congress to secure affordable coverage and quality care for all Americans.

To read the brief, prepared by attorneys at Crowell & Moring, in its entirety, click here.

About ACAP:

ACAP represents 64 health plans which collectively provide health coverage to more than 20 million people in 29 states. Safety Net Health Plans serve their members through Medicaid, Medicare, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), the Marketplace and other publicly-sponsored health programs. For more information, visit www.communityplans.net.

About ACHP:

The Alliance of Community Health Plans (ACHP) is a national leadership organization bringing together innovative health plans and provider groups that are among America's best at delivering affordable, high-quality coverage and care. ACHP's member health plans provide coverage and care for more than 21 million Americans across 34 states and the District of Columbia. These organizations focus on improving the health of the communities they serve and are on the leading edge of innovations in affordability and quality of care, including primary care redesign, payment reform, accountable health care delivery and use of information technology. To learn more, go to www.achp.org and follow ACHP on Twitter @_ACHP.