Arguments on the Affordable Care Act in the U.S. Supreme Court Begin as Small Businesses Continue to Navigate COVID-19

For Immediate Release: 
Tuesday, November 10, 2020

Washington, D.C. -Today, Small Business Majority Founder and CEO John Arensmeyer issued the following statement regarding the importance of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to small businesses as oral arguments begin before the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of California v. Texas, which challenges the validity of the individual mandate and the constitutionality of the ACA. 

“As the small business community continues to navigate and fully assess the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, we must remember that the ACA is vital for entrepreneurs and their employees because it addresses two important issues: healthcare affordability and access. Indeed, more than 5.7 million small business employees or self-employed workers are enrolled in the ACA marketplaces, and more than half of all ACA marketplace enrollees nationwide are small business owners, self-employed individuals or small business employees. 

During a public health crisis, preserving and strengthening the ACA is even more critical as it continues to ensure health coverage for millions of entrepreneurs who once were unable to obtain health insurance due to exorbitant costs or a preexisting condition. Moreover, self-employed individuals have been able to obtain their own coverage and avoid ‘job-lock,’ growth in healthcare costs for small businesses has slowed and Medicaid programs in most states have expanded, allowing low-income small business employees and entrepreneurs to obtain health coverage.

We strongly urge the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold the ACA in full as it is a necessity for the success of our small business community and our economy.”

About Small Business Majority

Small Business Majority is a national small business organization that empowers America's diverse entrepreneurs to build a thriving and inclusive economy. We engage our network of more than 70,000 small businesses and 1,000 business and community organizations to advocate for public policy solutions and deliver resources to entrepreneurs that promote equitable small business growth. Our deep connections with the small business community along with our scientific research enable us to educate the public about key issues impacting America’s entrepreneurs, with a special focus on advancing the smallest businesses and those facing systemic inequalities. Learn more about us on our website and follow us on TwitterFacebook and Instagram.

Press State: 
National