SCOTUS Strikes Down Challenge to ACA

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), the law which has made healthcare affordable to 31 million people and expanded Medicaid in 39 states, including Pennsylvania, lives to fight another day. In June 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court dismissed the third challenge to the Affordable Care Act since 2012.  

In a 7-2 decision, the Court ruled that plaintiffs involved in the case did not sustain any injury that gave them standing to sue, leaving the ACA in place with no changes and making it unlikely that it will have to face more appeals. This decision came at a critical time as the nation still faces the repercussions of the pandemic.  

The American Rescue Plan (ARP) has made a substantial, though temporary, improvement in state-based marketplace, Pennie.  Health insurance premiums are significantly lower for new and existing Pennie customers in 2021 and 2022.  Further, the Biden administration has made it easier to enroll in Pennie by extending the COVID-19 relief enrollment period. Those who need insurance through the state-based marketplace are eligible to enroll through August 15th.