Social groups applaud health care bill

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By Alanna Autler, Reporter - bio | email

Social groups applauded the Supreme Court's decision to uphold President Obama's health care bill.

Policy leaders met at the Capitol Thursday to discuss how this legislation cut costs for more than 200,000 uninsured West Virginians.

"It's really going to shift the opportunity for people to stay well," said Aila Accad, a nurse representing the West Virginia Nurses Association.

The health care bill stops insurance companies from charging women more than men for the same coverage.

It also prevents agencies from discriminating against people with pre-existing conditions.

"We're thrilled. This is definitely a victory for families in West Virginia. We've been advocating health care for all women and people in West Virginia for many, many years before the affordable health care bill was even around," said Rachel Huff, a representative from the women's advocate group, West Virginia Free.

The West Virginia Citizen Action Group, the West Virginia Center on Budget Policy and the West Virginia chapter of the National Association of Social Workers were just some of the organizations in attendance.