Weho City Council Members Weigh in on Supreme Court Decisoin

Americans across the country are talking about the U.S. Supreme Court decision to uphold the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act commonly referred to as Obamacare. The West Hollywood City Councilmembers shared their opinions as well. .

“This is great news. It clears the path for transforming our health and long-term care system into one that works for all Americans, young and old alike!” said Mayor Jeff Prang. “Access to affordable healthcare is finally a welcomed reality. Now, we must focus our attention on keeping President Obama in the White House.”  

“Today's Supreme Court ruling ensures access to affordable health care for so many in our country,” said Mayor Pro Tem Abbe Land, a longtime advocate for affordable and comprehensive health care who also served as executive director of the Saban Free Clinic for several years. “The Affordable Care Act provides many great remedies to the challenges that have plagued our health care system, and I am particularly pleased that women, young adults and low-income people and families can now get the quality care they deserve, including preventative care.”

“We should all be pleased with the Supreme Court's decision which will increase access to health insurance for many millions of Americans,” said Councilmember John D’Amico. “This validation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 means that Americans from Santa Monica Boulevard to Pennsylvania Avenue may now have health insurance and healthcare as a reliable part of their daily lives.”

“The decision is very important for West Hollywood residents,” said Councilmember John Heilman. “The health care law protects those of us with preexisting conditions from being denied coverage by insurance companies. It also eliminates lifetime caps on benefits for those with serious illnesses. The decision to uphold healthcare reform is also a big victory for seniors and people living with HIV and AIDS.”

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was enacted by Congress in 2010, in order to increase the number of Americans covered by health insurance and decrease the cost of health care.

Since 1985, the City of West Hollywood has provided more than $55 million in grants to fund much-needed social services for those members of the community in need. These services have included services for seniors; people with HIV and/or AIDS; members of the LGBT community; people with disabilities; alcohol and drug use recovery programs; services for people who are homeless and health care services for the uninsured.