Statement of the American Cancer Society, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Diabetes Association and American Heart Association

WASHINGTON – November 14, 2011 – The nation’s leading groups representing patients and families living with cancer, diabetes, heart disease or stroke issued the following statement today in response to the announcement that the U.S. Supreme Court will consider the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act.

The American Cancer Society, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Diabetes Association and American Heart Association filed as amici curiae in multiple federal courts of appeal in support of the constitutionality of the law.

Following is a statement from the four organizations that filed the amicus brief:

“Our organizations, which represent tens of millions of people across the country who are living with cancer, diabetes, heart disease or stroke, welcome the Court’s announcement and hope that it will uphold the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act to ensure that patients with life-threatening chronic diseases can access the law’s critical protections.

“Our organizations believe that patient protections, including those that end discrimination in the insurance market against people with pre-existing conditions, rely on the individual responsibility requirement. These provisions significantly improve the health care system for chronic disease patients and their families by expanding access to quality, affordable health care; reducing the cost burden on families; and refocusing the system to emphasize prevention.

“For decades our organizations have worked to expand access to health care nationwide and to boost our nation’s emphasis on disease prevention and management. As any patient knows, chronic disease strikes people without regard for their opinions or political persuasion. We are optimistic that timely review by the nation’s highest court will help to mitigate confusion and allow implementation to continue in a way that supports and strengthens provisions of the law that enable patients with chronic diseases to access quality, affordable health care.”