Washington, D.C., Mar. 26 2012 –
The following is a statement from Georges C. Benjamin, MD, FACP, FACEP (E), executive director of APHA. APHA has joined other health groups in submitting two friend-of-the-court briefs in support of the law.
“The American Public Health Association strongly urges the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold several key provisions in the Affordable Care Act, including the individual mandate and public health and prevention components, which APHA supports.
“Having access to quality, affordable health insurance is a fundamental human right and not a privilege. The individual mandate is integral to the law. It will ensure millions of currently uninsured Americans have access to health coverage at a time when they need it the most. It will also save lives.
“A decision to overturn this historic law will have enormous health implications for all Americans. Reverting back to a system that made a paltry effort at preventing disease and keeping people well would carry life-threatening consequences that would reverberate in households across the country. It would take away access to quality, affordable health benefits for millions of Americans. It would also increase health care costs at a time when our economy can least afford it.
“The health reform law is a signature public health achievement that offers opportunities to modernize the delivery of health care in this country unlike we’ve ever seen before. We are at a historic crossroads to make a real difference in the health and well-being of the American people. I strongly urge the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold this historic law and improve the health and prosperity for all Americans, now and for generations to come.”
For more about APHA, visit www.apha.org.