Democrats support health care decision

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- Just about all of Connecticut's political leadership is hailing Thursday's health care decision. They all supported the law, and they're all Democrats.

Governor Malloy's administration was the first in the nation to sign up for the Medicaid expansion in the law.

The high court decision means that the overhaul of the nation's health care system, which has only partly begun, will move much faster over the next few years with major impact in Connecticut.

"It's great, it's great," said Governor Dannel Malloy. "I mean it's a very important decision for the people of Connecticut. 500,000 people would have lost coverage if the Republicans had had their way."

However, in reacting to the health care decision Republicans across the state are echoing the stance taken by Presidential candidate Mitt Romney.

"We're going to allow people to be put into a position where they either have to buy a product or pay a substantial tax," said Sen. Andrew Roraback. "That kind of policy really changes the relationship between the federal government and the people and I think we can do much better."

"They were wrong-minded, wrong-headed to think that this law should be overturned," Malloy said, "and I'm happy that the Supreme Court acted appropriately."

At the State Capitol advocates for the poor and the working poor could not contain their happiness.

"This is everything I was hoping for," said Ellen Andrews, CT Health Policy Project, "this is wonderful."

It means that federal money will flow to Connecticut to pay for a greatly expanded Medicaid system. An expansion Connecticut was first in the nation to embrace.

"That means in Connecticut about 150,000 low income folks that don't have access to any health insurance that they can afford will now get basic health insurance," said Sheldon Toubman, New Haven Legal Assistance Assoc.

And for those that work, but cannot afford health insurance it means they will get help buying it.

"People who are making less than say $60,000 a year will be able to get coverage, and they get money from the federal government to buy it," said Andrews.

And Connecticut women's health care advocates say it means those services will be secure.

"This is really key for preventative health measures like contraceptive care, like mammograms for women and their families," said Teresa Younger, Commission on the Status of Women.