NACo Responds to Supreme Court's California v. Texas Decision

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WASHINGTON – The National Association of Counties (NACo) today responded to the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in California v. Texas, which dismissed a challenge to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). NACo Executive Director Matthew Chase said:    

County governments play an integral role in America's health care system. We take seriously our responsibility to protect the health and well-being of our residents. Investing more than $80 billion annually in community health, counties are indispensable partners in achieving local health goals.

“As key administrators of the health safety net, counties are often the mandated providers of last resort for vulnerable populations, including the medically indigent, lacking public or private health care coverage, and those with pre-existing physical, behavioral and substance use conditions.

“Without coverage through the ACA, counties and local taxpayers often bear the burden of paying for increased uncompensated care. This is through services delivered in our 900 county-supported hospitals, 824 county-owned and supported long-term care facilities, 750 behavioral health authorities and 1,943 public health departments.

“Counties support the ongoing implementation and enhancement of the Affordable Care Act. We look forward to working with Congress and the Administration to ensure healthy, safe and vibrant communities.”

The ACA strengthens the federal, state and local partnership for the Medicaid program and provides states with the option to expand coverage to low-income adults without children. Medicaid expansion also helps counties deliver better care for justice-involved individuals, qualifying them for access to necessary treatment and reducing the risk of recidivism.