Local health care leaders praise high court decision

U.S. Supreme Court upholds Affordable Care Act

State and local health officials were pleased with Thursday’s Supreme Court ruling.

Sister Andrea Nenzel, chair of the PeaceHealth Board of Trustees, said in a prepared statement that she was “delighted” with the decision.

“PeaceHealth was founded 125 years ago on the ideals of promoting personal and community health, and our mission still calls us to this work today,” she said. “By providing greater access to care, the Affordable Care Act helps us to fulfill this aspect of our mission. We look forward to the day when all Americans will have equal access to high-quality health care.”

Legacy Health officials said they were happy with the ruling, as well.

Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler said “a decision against federally run exchanges would’ve thrown our health insurance system into chaos and jeopardized vital coverage for millions.

“Despite the ongoing court challenges, I’m proud that Washington state has never wavered in its work to implement health care reform in a way that reflects the needs of our consumers,” Kreidler said in a prepared statement. “Our early decisions to create our own state-based exchange and expand Medicaid for adults are two key reasons behind our early and continued success.”

In the five years since the ACA passed, Washington’s uninsured rate has dropped by 40 percent, Kreidler said.