CLEVELAND, OH (WOIO) –
The United States Supreme Court upheld President Obama’s health care law Thursday.
Here are some CLE hospitals, city officials’ responses:
“The Supreme Court’s decision today to uphold the Affordable Care Act will help us to advance our mission of providing care for all, regardless of their ability to pay.”
“We have seen an ongoing and steady increase in the number of healthcare visits that we provide for uninsured patients. Since 2008, these visits have increased by nearly 50%….”
–MetroHealth Medical Center
“I’m really pleased that we’ve seen the healthcare law held up. I think that what this means is that we’re moving ahead, we’re continuing on a journey of reforming healthcare in the United States. We’re addressing access for people who haven’t had access before.”
-Dr. Toby Cosgrove/Cleveland Clinic
“Today’s Supreme Court ruling to uphold the Affordable Care Act is a step in the right direction for our country. President Obama and the Congressional Leaders who passed this massive reform on healthcare did so with one intent…to provide an opportunity for all Americans to have healthcare coverage, regardless of income, social economic background or pre-existing health issues. While the Act may not be popular amongst all Americans, President Obama once again has shown leadership and political courage.”
-Mayor Frank G. Jackson.
“The Supreme Court has spoken, and we need to move forward. It is past time for members from both parties to move on to the major economic problems facing our country – creating jobs and helping small businesses grow. While there is still more work to do to lower health care costs for all Americans, Congress needs to get its priorities straight; we will never get ahead unless the focus is on creating jobs and getting our economy back on track.”
-Congresswoman Betty Sutton
“While the Court has deemed the law constitutional as a tax on the American people, it is still flawed policy that is unaffordable for our families, our small businesses, and our government. The President’s one-size-fits-all health care spending law is the centerpiece of a failed agenda that has increased economic uncertainty, stalled job creation, and deepened the spending hole that Washington has dug.
“It’s time to change course and focus on growing jobs, instead of growing government. It didn’t need to come to this. Washington didn’t need to pass highly partisan legislation that is increasing premiums on families by $2,100 per year, increasing the deficit by billions of dollars, and killing thousands of jobs through billions of dollars in new taxes.
“There was, and still is, a better way to improve our health care system without the heavy hand of government and massive new taxes. I’m hopeful the President will be willing to work with Republicans and Democrats alike on patient centered health care that actually reduces costs and expands access.”
-U.S. Sen. Rob Portman
“I am very pleased the Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act. In reaching its decision, the court displayed sound judgment based on clear precedent. This is a great victory for hardworking families in Ohio who need access to affordable health care.
“The Affordable Care Act is already helping many Ohioans by covering preventive services such as mammogram’s and colonoscopies at no cost. It’s also made prescription drugs more affordable for seniors and given Ohioans with pre-existing conditions access to health insurance. Thanks to the Supreme Court’s decision these vital services will continue.
“There is no question in my mind that the framers of our Constitution would have viewed the health law as constitutional. That’s why I joined with other Ohio legislators in filing a court brief to support the Affordable Care Act against a highly partisan assault.
“It’s unfortunate that the current Governor and his administration has needlessly delayed the implementation of a health insurance exchange in Ohio-a key component of the Affordable Care Act. It is time for the foot dragging to end. Now that the Supreme Court has spoken, I urge the Governor and the Director of the Department of Insurance to move quickly to pass Senate Bill 277 and create a competitive marketplace where Ohioans and small business owners can purchase affordable health insurance.”
–Senator Michael J. Skindell
http://www.19actionnews.com/story/18907280/cleveland-hospitals-respond
Article Courtesy of WOIO 19 Action News
