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The Intern Diaries: Affordable Care Act
This morning I joined other PFAWF and PFAW interns and staff in front of the Supreme Court in support of the Affordable Care Act. Progressives, tea partiers, anti-choice, and women’s groups alike gathered in the DC heat to voice their opinions on the ACA.
Just after the decision, press bolted down the steps of the Courthouse in hopes of getting their story out to the masses first. At that moment the roar of the crowded dulled as everyone frantically looked down their smartphones in hopes of the results. At first the tea party and anti-choice groups began to cheer based on CNN and Fox News’ misinformation while the attitudes of the supporters of the ACA fell. Only minutes later the atmosphere completely shifted as the correct decision was released through more reputable news sources. Those in favor of the ruling chanted “Healthcare for all,” and “Don’t hijack my healthcare,” over the tea partiers’ amplified rhetoric about seeking revenge in November.
As most everyone has heard by now, the Affordable Care Act was upheld as constitutional, including the ACA’s individual mandate, by a 5-4 vote with Chief Justice Roberts joining the four Democratic appointees on the decision. President Obama called this a “victory for all people of this country whose lives will be more secure because of this law.”
As one of those people who benefits from the Affordable Care Act, I stand with the Supreme Court’s decision. The ACA helps millions of young people like myself stay on their parent’s health insurance plans until they are 26. Knowing that I am still protected during my job search and possible benefit-less entry-level position is incredibly important to me. ACA will also provide Americans with more accessible and affordable health insurance options through its Pre-existing Condition plan and by prohibiting companies from charging higher premiums.
Despite the benefits for those with pre-existing conditions, young Americans, people of color, women, and those who are paying too much for healthcare now, some people are still upset with the ruling. The uproar caused by this decision is a reminder that healthcare reform is still, as Vice President Joe Biden says, “a big f---ing deal.”
Casey Clowes