The U.S. Supreme Court decision ruling against the plaintiffs in the King vs. Burwell case provided security for many of the 4.2 million Latinos who have benefitted from the Affordable Care Act (ACA), commonly referred to as Obamacare.

As Latin Post reported, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 to keep the ACA's subsidy system in place for the 34 states that have yet to form a state-based health insurance marketplace. Since the first provision of the ACA went into effect in 2010, the national Latino uninsured rate dropped by 12.3-percentage points, which is the largest percentage rate decline compared to African Americans and whites. Since 2010, more than 4.2 million Latinos have gained health insurance. Despite the benefits, Latinos are still the largest uninsured group.

"Congress passed the Affordable Care Act to improve health insurance markets, not to destroy them," wrote Justice John Roberts in the court's majority opinion statement.

Latinos, ranging from politicians and health-based to immigrant-based organizations, have commended the Supreme Court's ruling.

Marielena Hincapié, executive director of National Immigration Law Center (NILC), said the decision was "both legally accurate and morally sound" and ensured that millions of families no longer risked losing the ability to see a doctor.

"All of us should be able to get the health care we need when we need it, and this includes immigrant families," said Hincapié in a statement. "Excluding any community is simply unwise, from both a policy and an economic perspective. We must look past the status quo and instead work toward a day in which all people, regardless of where they were born or how much money they may have, can buy the quality, affordable care they need. Only then will we create a truly healthy and prosperous America."

With the Supreme Court decision, League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) National Executive Director Brent Wilkes called for Congress, state and community leaders to cease their attacks on the ACA.

"Furthermore, we urge all Americans to take advantage of the opportunity for quality affordable health care coverage and enroll for health insurance," added Wilkes.

Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill., said the Supreme Court made the right decision, and it was a ruling "based on the law and based on the needs of the American people." He stated that the decision should eliminate any negative perception of the ACA.

"This gives me confidence that the courts will eventually rule in favor of allowing [President Barack Obama's] legal and justifiable immigration executive actions to stand, but we continue to have to fight against opposition to change, opposition to immigration and opposition to President Obama coming mostly from Republicans," said Gutierrez in a statement on Thursday.

He added, "This time on health care, the Republicans dodged a bullet because Republicans were almost put in the position of taking health care away from families, children, voters and huge numbers of their constituents. But the U.S. Supreme Court saved the Republicans from being responsible for a national public policy disaster."

Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., said the Supreme Court made it permanently that Obamacare "is the law of the land and is here to stay." Menendez also said he hopes Republicans will stop the attacks on the healthcare law.

"It is our moral imperative to ensure that individuals and families who are eligible for coverage -- either through Medicaid or the Marketplace -- are enrolled and fully covered," added Menendez.

Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard called Thursday's decision as "a day of celebration."

"[The] Supreme Court endorsed the clear and correct interpretation of the Affordable Care Act," said Roybal-Allard, later adding, "Simply put, the Supreme Court's decision will save lives. ... Now, it is time for Republicans to accept the ACA as the law of the land, and join Democrats in making further improvements to our health care system."

Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) acknowledged the decision's impact on Latinas. PPFA noted that more than one in three Latinos had no health insurance prior to the ACA's implementation and struggled to meet their needs, but following 2010, they now have access to affordable medical coverage.

"Latinos in Texas comprise one of the highest uninsured groups in the nation, but thanks to the ACA, I now have a primary care physician," said 22-year-old Delma Limoes, an Austin college student.

In a statement from PPFA, Limoes said, "Health insurance used to feel like a luxury, but with the help of a financial subsidy, the care I need is no longer inaccessible. After I enrolled for my plan with a Planned Parenthood enrollment counselor, I immediately gained a sense of security because I don't have to choose among rent, educational expenses, or a visit to the doctor anymore. Because of the ACA, I can stay healthy."

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For the latest updates, follow Latin Post's Michael Oleaga on Twitter: @EditorMikeO or contact via email: m.oleaga@latinpost.com.