Sam Singh, the former East Lansing Mayor and candidate for State Representative in Michigan’s 69th District, hailed the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on federal health care reform this morning and called on Speaker of the House Jase Bolger (R – Marshall) to take action on legislation to bring Michigan into compliance with the Affordable Care Act.
“Today’s Supreme Court decision marks a monumental step forward for the health and well being of our country,” said Singh. “Despite the significance of today’s ruling, Michigan residents are at risk of missing out on their opportunity for lower health insurance costs and easier access to insurance due to inaction by Speaker Bolger and House Republicans.”
Bolger and House Republicans have buried legislation that would enable the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to setup a health insurance exchange in Michigan. Establishing an exchange, which is supported by Governor Snyder and received bi-partisan support in the Senate, is a key component of driving down insurance costs and making the process of purchasing health insurance more accessible. Michigan is in jeopardy of handing over implementation of the system to the federal government unless immediate action is taken.
“It is inexcusable that House Republicans left for summer recess without taking action on this legislation,” said Singh. “Preferring to spend the summer on the campaign trail, their inaction is an affront to the nearly 1.3 million uninsured Michiganders who are one major medical emergency away from financial ruin.”
