Covered California Executive Director Responds to Texas District Court ACA Ruling

A federal judge in Texas struck down the Affordable Care Act on Friday night as unconstitutional based on a recent change in the tax law.

The ruling comes a day before consumers must sign up for new health insurance and renew or change existing health plans by Dec. 15 to have their coverage begin on Jan. 1, 2019. Covered California enrollment will continue through Jan. 15.

Here is the response from Covered California:

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — In response to a ruling Friday by U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor in Texas v. United States of America, Covered California Executive Director Peter V. Lee said:

“Open enrollment is full-steam ahead in California and continues in other states for several more weeks.  No one in America should let this Texas District Court ruling discourage them from enrolling in health coverage or be worried about using the health coverage they have. This case will wind its way through the courts and I’m confident the Supreme Court will once again do the right thing and uphold the Affordable Care Act.”

Covered California’s open enrollment period continues through Jan. 15, 2019. Consumers who want their coverage to begin on Jan. 1 will need to sign up by Saturday, Dec. 15.

About Covered California

Covered California is the state’s health insurance marketplace, where Californians can find affordable, high-quality insurance from top insurance companies. Covered California is the only place where individuals who qualify can get financial assistance on a sliding scale to reduce premium costs. Consumers can then compare health insurance plans and choose the plan that works best for their health needs and budget. Depending on their income, some consumers may qualify for the low-cost or no-cost Medi-Cal program.

Covered California is an independent part of the state government whose job is to make the health insurance marketplace work for California’s consumers. It is overseen by a five-member board appointed by the governor and the Legislature. For more information about Covered California, please visit www.CoveredCA.com.