On March 4, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments in King v. Burwell, which has the potential to undermine the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and cause millions of Americans to lose their health insurance.

If the opponents of the ACA are successful, the Supreme Court will eliminate the tax credits for individuals to buy health insurance in states like Virginia that use the federal Health Insurance Marketplace. More than 8 million Americans will be affected.

We all benefit from the ACA! Women are no longer discriminated against and charged higher insurance premiums just for being women. Families can see a doctor for preventive care and not pay any out of pocket expenses. No one can be denied coverage or charged higher premiums for pre-existing conditions. Students can stay on their parents’ health insurance plan until they are 26, putting less financial pressure on young people. Virginians could lose all these benefits.

When the ACA was written and passed, everybody—Republicans, Democrats, and the Congressional Budget Office alike—agreed that the tax credits would be available in all states, whether a person lives in a state with its own marketplace or one with a federal marketplace. Opponents of the ACA are trying to rewrite history—and the law—to undermine the progress that has been made.

Will you lift your voice by writing a letter to the editor of your local paper? Here are some key points to remember:

• More than 8 million people stand to lose their health insurance if the Supreme Court rules on the side of the opponents of the ACA
• Everyone agreed when the law was passed that tax credits apply to all states, not just states that set up their own marketplace
• Congress’ intent was to offer tax credits to all Americans between 100 and 400 percent of the federal poverty line to increase the number of insured Americans—and it’s working!

Thank you for taking action and making your voice heard!

Sincerely,

Winston Whitehurst
Norfolk