Latest report shows 6.6 million unemployment claims – the largest in history
Following today’s Department of Labor report showing a record-breaking 6.6 million unemployment claims, Washington Republicans have an obligation to drop their attacks on the Affordable Care Act and its protections for Americans who lose employer-sponsored coverage.
If the House Republicans’ lawsuit succeeds, the entire ACA – including its protections for jobless Americans – would be eliminated.
House Republicans also need to stand up to President Trump’s Tuesday decision not to reopen the ACA marketplaces – a move that “would have made it easier for [jobless Americans] to enroll.”
Nearly 60 percent of Americans believe expanding affordable healthcare is more important than before the pandemic began.
As the coronavirus outbreak puts pressure on the economy and there is likely a coming recession, the ACA will provide additional coverage options for those losing their jobs or experiencing large declines in income. This would be the first recession since the ACA was implemented, and the health law will provide a safety net that never existed before for those losing job-based health insurance.
If all or most of the law ultimately is struck down, it will have complex and far-reaching consequences and potentially eliminate many of the ACA provisions that would otherwise help some individuals avoid becoming uninsured due to the economic upheaval caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Statement From DCCC Spokesperson Robyn Patterson:
“In the midst of a global pandemic, Washington Republicans are still making it harder for jobless Americans to get health insurance. House Republicans need to stand up for the millions of Americans who face the challenge of being jobless and uninsured during the COVID-19 pandemic and drop this lawsuit.”