HEALTH COVERAGE FOR OVER 400,000 WORKING NORTH CAROLINIANS PROTECTED BY SUPREME COURT

WASHINGTON – In response to today’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling in King v. Burwell, Working America North Carolina State Director Carolyn Smith issued the following statement:

“With today’s Supreme Court decision, common sense prevailed. It’s encouraging to see the Supreme Court stand with women and families and affirm their right to access affordable health insurance through the marketplace.

“Access to quality, affordable health care for everyone really matters to Working America members. That’s why they consistently rank it among their top concerns. Our members knocked on doors and made thousands of phone calls to help pass the Affordable Care Act, and they’re breathing a sigh of relief following today’s decision.

“The Affordable Care Act is here to stay, but there’s more work to do right here in North Carolina. Our members will continue to advocate for increased access to health care coverage for all, including the more than 300,000 low-income North Carolinians who remain uninsured because of the state’s stubborn refusal to expand its Medicaid program. Now is the time for Governor McCrory to prioritize people over politics and expand Medicaid so that more North Carolinians will have access to quality health care.”

BACKGROUND

Working America is the fastest-growing organization for working people who don’t have the benefit of a union on the job. Working America has over 43,000 active members in North Carolina who consistently rank health care as one of their top concerns. According to Families USA, approximately 459,000 North Carolinians were in danger of losing access to premium tax credits before today’s vote.

With a winning track record advocating for good jobs, better wages, and access to affordable, quality health care, in 2013 Working America worked with Union Plus to launch Working America Health Care (WAHC), a joint collaboration that connects Working America members with quality health insurance coverage. WAHC is recognized as a national Champion for Coverage organization by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

CONTACT: Carolyn Smith
csmith@workingamerica.org
(336) 292-4178