Reaction to SCOTUS ruling on health care

Comptroller Kevin Lembo:

"This historic decision upholds decades of work to ensure that millions of uninsured Americans, including at least a half million Connecticut residents, have access to health care.

"This victory, while critical, is only a new starting point. The federal government - and Connecticut - must maintain momentum to reform and improve our health-care system at every level.

" Connecticut has been a leader in health care innovation - transforming its own health care system, as an employer, to save lives and dollars by focusing more on quality preventative care.

"While employers in the rest of the United States are experiencing health care cost increases of more than 8 percent - more than twice the rate of inflation - Connecticut, as an employer, has stabilized its own rates with no increase.

" Connecticut 's successful initiatives reinforce what I have long advocated - that when you improve health care delivery, you improve health care savings."

Congressman Joe Courtney:

"Today's ruling is a landmark moment in the fight for stable, secure health coverage for all Americans. Congress debated, the Supreme Court decided, and now the implementation of the Affordable Care Act can move forward.

"As with any law, the Affordable Care Act is not the final word on health care. This Congress and future Congresses can make commonsense amendments in response to real-life problems. For example, we already repealed the onerous 1099 filing requirement last year, and extended age 26 coverage to military families after ACA's enactment. I look forward to actively promoting that smart, positive effort.

"In eastern Connecticut last year, 4,600 young people were able to remain on their parents' health policy until the age of 26 while they transitioned into the workforce. That benefit is protected permanently.

"7,700 seniors in our district received more than $5 million in prescription drug discounts in 2011. That number will grow as the Affordable Care Act closes the Medicare Part D donut hole entirely. 88,000 seniors have taken advantage of preventive care benefits, including cancer and cardiovascular screenings without a co-pay, coinsurance, or deductible."

"Already, 470 small businesses have received tax credits to provide health insurance for their employees."

"If you become gravely ill, battling a costly condition like hemophilia, there are no longer lifetime caps on benefits. And beginning in 2014, if you lose your job, you will not lose your health coverage."