Iowa politicians react to Supreme Court decision on Obamacare

DES MOINES - Roughly 39,000 Iowans will continue to receive federal financial assistance to pay for their health insurance, thanks to a ruling delivered Thursday by the U.S. Supreme Court.

The court ruled, 6-3, that federal financial assistance provided to residents of states such as Iowa that did not create their own insurance markets are legal.

'The Iowa Insurance Division is currently reviewing the Supreme Court's decision but it appears from early news reports that Iowans currently receiving tax credits while using the federal health exchange will be able to continue doing so,” Iowa Insurance Commissioner Nick Gerhart said in a statement.

More than 45,000 Iowans used the federal exchange to purchase health insurance during the 2014-2015 enrollment period, and 86 percent - or roughly 39,000 - received financial assistance, according to a March 2015 federal report.

That financial assistance would have been nullified had the Supreme Court ruled differently Thursday.

Among Iowa politicians and advocacy groups, reaction to the highly anticipated Supreme Court decision was divided, predictably along party lines.

Democrats who support the federal health care law championed by President Barack Obama praised the ruling, saying the law helps those in financial need acquire health insurance coverage.

'Never again shall we return to the days when you could be denied health coverage because of a pre-existing condition, or be charged more for health insurance merely because of your gender,” Iowa Democratic Party chairwoman Andy McGuire said. 'Every Iowan deserves access to quality, affordable health care.”

Some Republicans who oppose the health care law criticized the Supreme Court's decision, while others simply continued to assail the law.

'Obamacare was conceived through a coordinated campaign to deceive the public, leaving Americans with canceled policies, increased costs, and fewer freedoms,” Republican Party of Iowa chairman Jeff Kaufmann said in a statement. 'We will continue fighting to repeal and replace Obamacare, and we'll start by electing a Republican to the White House in 2016.”

Other reactions:

U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa: 'Today's Supreme Court ruling does not change the fundamental reality that ObamaCare is a poorly conceived and reckless law. As ObamaCare again finds itself under scrutiny of our highest court, it's further affirmation that we need a workable solution for the millions of Americans who continue to face uncertainty over their health care due to this disastrous law.”

U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack, D-Iowa: 'Today's Supreme Court decision is a big relief for the thousands of Iowa families who would have faced large, unforeseen, out of pocket increases in their health care costs. … Congress clearly meant for these tax breaks to be available to anyone who qualified, no matter where they lived. It is time we move forward and work to strengthen this law, not continue to try and dismantle it.”

U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa: 'I respect the court and its role in our system of government, but Obamacare remains a terrible law. It's led to too many people losing the coverage they had and spending more for what coverage they can get. Iowans tell me directly in town meetings and in emails and letters to my office that they don't like the law.”

Iowa Reps. Beth Wessel-Kroeschell, D-Ames; and Lisa Heddens, D-Ames: 'This is good news for low income Iowans, our exceptional health care providers, and Iowa's effort to become the healthiest state in the nation. … Today's ruling continues to ensure Iowans receive affordable access to high quality health care through the Marketplace and the Iowa Health and Wellness Plan.”

Iowa Sen. Amanda Ragan, D-Mason City: 'The good news is that this decision by the U.S. Supreme Court will ensure affordable health for many Iowans by maintaining the subsidies and preventing patients from losing access to health care.”

Why Courts Matter Coalition of Iowa: 'Today's ruling is a win for the Iowans and millions of Americans who were at risk of losing their health coverage. This historic decision benefits thousands of Iowa families, who will be able to save more than $3,000 each for quality health care they wouldn't otherwise be able to afford. The Affordable Care Act and today's court ruling are not about politics. This is about the Supreme Court upholding the rule of law, and everyday Iowans getting access to the health care they need.” The coalition includes Iowa Citizen Action Network, Americans for Democratic Action Iowa, Progress Iowa and One Iowa.