Arizona voices on Thursday’s U.S. Supreme Court decision:
• “For defenders of freedom and the free market, the decision to uphold Obamacare is nothing short of disheartening. The ramifications are sure to be vast, including a new tax on middle class Americans and the erosion of individual liberty as Americans begin to see their health insurance choices dictated by an overbearing federal government."
— Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer
• “Our only disappointment is the decision to weaken the provisions related to the expansion of the Medicaid program — this leaves a possibility that the benefits of the Affordable Care Act may not extend to all those originally envisioned to be served. We will need to study this issue further and open dialogue with our Arizona leaders on this issue.”
— Kathy Byrne , executive director of the Tucson-based El Rio Community Health Center, which serves mostly low-income and indigent patients.
• “While no legislation is perfect, more people will now have access to affordable health insurance, and that is a good development for patients and the hospitals that serve them.”
— Laurie Liles , Arizona Healthcare and Hospital Association president and chief executive officer.
• “Although the court upheld major portions of the act, it is far from perfect ... We must reduce the skyrocketing cost of care, which is damaging our economy and making it unaffordable for many Americans and small businesses.”
— U.S. Rep. Ron Barber, a Democrat who represents Arizona’s Eighth congressional district.
• “After an unnecessary fight that was drawn out by corporate-funded smear campaigns about government takeovers and death panels, justice has prevailed.”
— U.S. Rep. Raúl Grijalva , a Democrat who represents Arizona’s Seventh congressional district.
• “Arizona’s Republican leadership has led the legal battle to oppose ‘Obamacare’ since it was first signed into law. The House Republican majority will continue to fight for the right to exercise Arizona’s authority over its own budget and healthcare policies. We will also support our congressional representatives in their efforts to repeal and replace the ACA (Affordable Care Act).”
— Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives Andy Tobin, a Republican who represents the state’s legislative District One.
• “Arizona children and families have already won important victories through the Affordable Care Act, including tax credits for small businesses, 60,000 young adults covered through their parents’ insurance, and sick children keeping access to treatment because health insurance plans can’t put time limits on their care. With today’s Court decision, children with asthma, diabetes, or other conditions can't be denied coverage.”
— Dana Wolfe Naimark , President and CEO of the Phoenix-based Children’s Action Alliance.
• “There is no doubt that this decision will be historic in terms of its impact on jurisprudence and the dynamic between the different branches of the federal government.”
— Dr. John Noseworthy, president and chief executive officer of the Mayo Clinic, which has three locations, including one in Arizona.
• “As a health-care provider, I remain confident that the best solution is a full repeal of this costly burdensome legislation which will hurt patients by undermining access to quality care while adding billions to our deficit.”
— U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar , a Republican who represents the state’s first congressional district in Northern Arizona. He is also a dentist and member of the GOP Doctor’s Caucus.
• ”We’re very pleased. It’s a good day for healthcare and a good day for hospitals. The number one thing we were concerned about was there was no solution for citizens with no way to pay for healthcare. This at least provides them with a path. It’s 30 plus million people who will at least have access.”
— Judy Rich, president and chief executive officer of Tucson Medical Center.
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