Rye Brook, NY (November 9, 2020) – This week, the Supreme Court of the United States hears oral arguments in California v. Texas, the case challenging the Affordable Care Act.
The following is a statement from The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Chief Medical Officer Gwen Nichols, M.D.:
"For more than a decade, cancer patients have relied on the vital protections the Affordable Care Act (ACA) provides them. And for more than a decade, opponents of this law have sought to dismantle it, without ensuring continued access to the same meaningful protections. It’s time for cancer patients to finally have the certainty that these protections won’t remain under continuous threat.
Blood cancer patients cannot afford to return to a time when they faced discrimination due to their diagnosis or pre-existing condition. Indeed, without the framework of protections established by the ACA, many cancer patients and survivors would not be able to obtain health coverage; those who do would face limitless out-of-pocket costs.
To be clear, while the ACA’s patient protections were badly needed 10 years ago, they remain as critical today as they were in 2010. In fact, overturning this law would have an immediate and devastating impact for the millions of Americans – cancer patients included – who stand to lose their health insurance. Rather than abolish the ACA, now’s the time for policymakers to build upon the protections established by the ACA, by enacting policies that will continue to improve patients’ ability to access life-saving care.
Regardless of the arguments heard before the court, the ACA remains the law of the land, and thus open enrollment is in effect. We encourage anyone seeking health insurance to visit HealthCare.gov to shop for high-quality coverage."
About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS) is a global leader in the fight against cancer. The LLS mission: cure leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world, provides free information and support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care.
Founded in 1949 and headquartered in Rye Brook, NY, LLS has regional offices throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org. Patients should contact the LLS Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., ET.