Federal ruling leaves Access Health customers in limbo

<p>More than 100,000 people in Connecticut who get their health insurance through the Affordable Care Act are now left wondering what will happen to them after a federal judge overturned the law.</p>

News 12 Staff

Dec 17, 2018, 10:56 PM

Updated 1,955 days ago

Share:

More than 100,000 people in Connecticut who get their health insurance through the Affordable Care Act are now left wondering what will happen to them after a federal judge overturned the law.
For now, those who rely on the ACA are safe. But if the U.S. Supreme Court kills the law, Norwalk state Sen. Bob Duff thinks Connecticut's insurance exchange Access Health could collapse.
Without federal subsidies, many customers could no longer afford their monthly premiums.
"Theoretically it could continue, but I think it would be severely undercut," says Duff. "And it would probably be a shell of what it is right now."
In Connecticut, some parts of the ACA would survive. If a person has a pre-existing condition, state law says they cannot be denied health insurance.
Carriers also have to cover 10 so-called "essential benefits," including mental treatment and birth control.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal says this is Washington's problem, not Hartford's.
"Instead of penalties, whether they're tax increases or otherwise, we should provide incentives for people to join the ACA," says Blumenthal.


More from News 12
1:53
Council Member Sanchez to introduce building inspection, integrity bills after Billingsley Terrace collapse

Council Member Sanchez to introduce building inspection, integrity bills after Billingsley Terrace collapse

1:56
Sunny, cool and breezy with temperatures in the upper-50s for NYC

Sunny, cool and breezy with temperatures in the upper-50s for NYC

2:02
Exclusive: Animal rescue group stepping in to help cats in danger of being mauled

Exclusive: Animal rescue group stepping in to help cats in danger of being mauled

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Baseball's oldest living major leaguer, former Yankee Art Schallock, is turning 100

Baseball's oldest living major leaguer, former Yankee Art Schallock, is turning 100

0:19
NYPD: Woman wanted for punching another woman, stealing her phone in Highbridge

NYPD: Woman wanted for punching another woman, stealing her phone in Highbridge

2:07
Council Member Feliz plans to tackle rising vacant storefronts in the Bronx

Council Member Feliz plans to tackle rising vacant storefronts in the Bronx

2:04
Multiplex Cinemas in Concourse Plaza set to close next month

Multiplex Cinemas in Concourse Plaza set to close next month

1:47
Libraries could see new changes following no reversal of $58.3 million budget cut

Libraries could see new changes following no reversal of $58.3 million budget cut

1:46
NYCHA resident says boiler issue causing safety and health concerns

NYCHA resident says boiler issue causing safety and health concerns

2:25
Parked car left in shambles; video shows car smash into it multiple times

Parked car left in shambles; video shows car smash into it multiple times

1:42
New community center focuses on supporting former male inmates on road to recovery

New community center focuses on supporting former male inmates on road to recovery

1:35
The Bronx Museum of Arts new exhibit showcases NYC artists from fellowship

The Bronx Museum of Arts new exhibit showcases NYC artists from fellowship

1:59
NYPD: Fordham shooting kills 34-year-old man, leaves another man critical

NYPD: Fordham shooting kills 34-year-old man, leaves another man critical

1:14
Police Athletic League hosts annual singing and dancing competition for kids

Police Athletic League hosts annual singing and dancing competition for kids

1:35
New Yankees murals at Bronx Terminal Market pays homage to Black baseball legends

New Yankees murals at Bronx Terminal Market pays homage to Black baseball legends

1:04
DOT adds $6 million to boost overnight and evening deliveries over peak hours

DOT adds $6 million to boost overnight and evening deliveries over peak hours

0:20
MTA service alerts system now includes bridges, tunnels

MTA service alerts system now includes bridges, tunnels

0:23
Police: 2 men wanted for robbing Gamestop store at knifepoint in East Tremont

Police: 2 men wanted for robbing Gamestop store at knifepoint in East Tremont

0:24
NYPD: Suspect at large in West Concourse stabbing that left victim in grave condition

NYPD: Suspect at large in West Concourse stabbing that left victim in grave condition