Tennessee Democrats, health care activists decry ACA ruling, criticize state Atty. General Slatery

NASHVILLE — State Democrats and health care activists are denouncing a federal judge's ruling that strikes down the Affordable Care Act, warning of "cruel" consequences for nearly 1.7 million Tennesseans with pre-existing health problems, as well as a quarter million people who obtain insurance coverage through the ACA.

They're also criticizing Tennessee Attorney General Herbert Slatery, who joined fellow Republican state attorneys general in successfully challenging the 2010 law, also known as Obamacare.

And they're calling on Republican U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, chairman of the Senate Health Committee, to protect Tennesseans should the ruling ultimately be upheld by the nation's highest court.

The law remains in place for now. Democratic state attorneys general say they will appeal the decision.

Read more: https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/politics/state/story/2018/dec/15/tennessee-democrats-health-care-activists-dec/484986/