FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 7, 2014
Contact: Audrey Sandusky, 202-293-3114 ext. 207

Supreme Court’s Decision to Hear King v. Burwell Troubling, Says NFPRHA

WASHINGTON, DC – The US Supreme Court announced today that it would hear the appeal in King v. Burwell. The following is a statement from Clare Coleman, President & CEO of National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association. 

“Today’s decision by the US Supreme Court to take up King v. Burwell raises new and troubling questions.

“One of the primary goals of the health reform law was to make care more affordable. It was so important, Congress included it in the name: the Affordable Care Act. The premium subsidies are essential to that affordability, offering a lifeline to millions of women and families who have been able to access high-quality health coverage through the law, many for the first time in their lives. 

“The Court typically hears cases where there is an issue that is ripe for resolution, but with no conflicting decisions by the circuit courts and with cases scheduled in the Tenth and District of Columbia Circuits—the latter set to be heard in a little over a month from now—the fact that the Court would choose to hear the King case now is deeply troubling.

“We are extremely concerned that, with one week before open enrollment begins, today’s decision could have a chilling effect for people signing up for health coverage in the marketplace. It is imperative that all Americans understand that the law remains intact and people should still seek coverage or renew their plans.”

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The National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association (NFPRHA) is a membership organization representing the nation's family planning providers—nurses, nurse practitioners, administrators and other key health care professionals. For 41 years, NFPRHA members have provided high-quality preventive health care services in thousands of health centers to millions of women and men annually. Everyday our members help people act responsibly, stay healthy and plan for strong families.