The latest report showed 3.3 million initial unemployment claims – the largest in history
Following last week’s Department of Labor report showing a record-breaking 3 million new unemployment claims, Washington Republicans have an obligation to drop their support for a lawsuit to overturn the Affordable Care Act and its protections for Americans who lose employer-sponsored coverage.
Last year, House Republicans voted to advance funding for their lawsuit that would repeal the ACA in its entirety.
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
“Millions of Americans just lost their jobs. After weeks of downplaying the severity of COVID-19, it’s mind-blowing that House Republicans would keep going after the health care of newly jobless Americans. The Affordable Care Act’s marketplace, Medicaid expansion, and protections for people with pre-existing conditions are crucial protections for millions of Americans who could lose employer sponsored coverage. House Republicans have a moral obligation to drop their support for this reckless lawsuit that endangers our response to COVID-19.”
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