U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, who served on the primary committee that authored the Affordable Care Act and who crafted provisions to benefit Floridians, released the following statement regarding the decision of the Supreme Court of the United States to uphold the Act:

“The Supreme Court decision is a welcome relief to families and businesses across America, and especially to Floridians. Our fight to lower health care costs for middle-class families and families with health insurance remains on track. Vital consumer protections remain intact as does greater accountability for the insurance industry. Medicare is improved and is stronger. The benefits of the Affordable Care Act are many:

• No denial of coverage for pre-existing conditions
• Insurance companies no longer able to cancel your coverage when you get sick
• Young adults able to remain on their parents’ health insurance plans
• Expanded coverage for preventive and well care and
• Seniors on Medicare save money on their prescriptions and more.

“The approximately 3 million uninsured Floridians will be able receive health insurance on a transparent health exchange of private insurance companies. Small business owners will be eligible for tax credits and be able to access competitive rates through exchanges so that health insurance is affordable for a change. Medicare beneficiaries who are already receiving free wellness checkups will see their benefits improve even more.

“Other important provisions survive as well, including measures I wrote to tackle Florida’s doctor shortage through more training slots at Florida universities and hospitals, offer new scholarships for the modern health care workforce and improve Medicare for our seniors.

“The Affordable Care Act already is making improvements in the lives of my neighbors and millions of Floridians, offering security and stability. Floridians can continue having peace of mind that just because they change jobs or experience another life-altering event, we will continue to have affordable access to health care through private insurance companies and Medicare.

“The Affordable Care Act is constitutionally sound and also fiscally responsible. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has said the health insurance reform law will cut the deficit by $210 billion throughout the next 10 years.

“Gov. Scott has no more excuses to stand in the doorway, send our tax dollars to other states and side with the insurance industry. The Affordable Care Act is the law of the land and must be immediately and fully implemented in our state for the well-being of all Floridians.”