SACRAMENTO –Assembly Speaker pro Tempore Fiona Ma (D-San Francisco and San Mateo Counties) released the statement following today’s United States Supreme Court Decision on the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA):

“Today is a historic day for the country and for California. I am very proud that justice prevailed and that the highest court upheld President Obama’s Affordable Care Act that will require most Americans to have insurance by 2014. This landmark legislation will expand access to affordable, quality health care for individuals regardless of age, income, or pre-existing condition and will provide coverage to nearly 5 million Californians.

At a press conference this morning, the President urged states to move forward and expand coverage at the same quality and cost. Through my bill, AB 1800, California has the chance to be at the forefront of moving forward with this monumental request.

AB 1800 will ensure that the needs of these families are met and it will provide security for millions of Californians, where the Affordable Care Act is silent. AB 1800 applies essential health benefits to large group employers and grandfathered plans. This would include businesses with over 50 employees that currently are not subject to the caps set by the ACA.

California has been at the forefront of major public health initiatives which have spread throughout the country. They include the establishment of a health insurance exchange, as well as requiring smog checks for clean air, anti-tobacco initiatives and bike helmets laws. In the unfortunate circumstance the Affordable Care Act is repealed, California will continue to move the country forward and protect our most vulnerable.”

AB 1800 is current in Senate Appropriations Committee.

For more information on Assemblywoman Fiona Ma, please visit: http://asmdc.org/members/a12/