Washington, DC – Today, June 25, 2015, the United States Supreme Court delivered a ruling in the King v. Burwell case that upholds a key provision in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The decision allows for the continued provision of premium tax-credit subsidies towards the purchase of health insurance in federally facilitated exchanges for those that meet income eligibility requirements.  Many American Indians and Alaska Natives live in states with federally facilitated exchanges so this decision is significant.

In his remarks from the White House, President Obama stated “…health care is not a privilege for a few but a right for all. The Affordable Care Act is here to stay.”

After hearing this morning’s ruling President Cladoosby said “The U.S. Supreme Court decision in King v. Burwell today is great news for Indian Country! Insurance subsidies are critical to ensuring access to affordable health insurance for American Indians and Alaska Natives.”

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) issued a joint statement in the decision with the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum, Demos, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, National Collaborative for Health Equity, National Council of La Raza, National Urban League, PICO National Network, and the Poverty & Race Research Action Council.