Statement by Lora Pellegrini, President and CEO of the Massachusetts Association of Health Plans on the Future of the ACA

BOSTON, Nov. 12 -- Massachusetts Association of Health Plans issued the following statement by President and CEO Lora Pellegrini:

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"As the model for the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Massachusetts has made significant advances over the past decade in expanding health care coverage and on efforts to contain health care costs. Today, the U.S. Supreme Court is hearing arguments on California v. Texas, a case that seeks to overturn the ACA. A final ruling that overturns the ACA would have widespread implications for Massachusetts.

"MAHP member plans are deeply concerned that should the ACA be struck down in its entirety, Massachusetts would stand to lose billions of dollars in federal support that helps fund our Medicaid expansion and provides subsidies and tax credits to low income individuals. This would result in thousands of individuals losing health insurance coverage during an unprecedented pandemic, which would lead to a substantial increase in the uninsured rate in Massachusetts.

"We remain hopeful that the Supreme Court will not strike down the entire ACA, but if they do we are committed to working with Governor Baker and members of his Administration, the Attorney General, legislative leaders, our Congressional delegation, and our partners in the health care community to ensure continued access to high quality and affordable health care for Massachusetts residents."