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Millions of Seniors Helped by Today's Supreme Court Ruling

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But Medicaid Decision May Affect Coverage for Low-Income Adults

WASHINGTON, June 28, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Council on Aging (NCOA) applauds today's ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States in upholding the Affordable Care Act.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100615/NCOALOGO)

At the same time, NCOA is concerned about the implications the court's Medicaid decision may have on some states' willingness to extend health coverage to low-income, non-elderly, uninsured Americans.

"Today's ruling ensures that millions of uninsured Americans will have access to health care and, therefore, will be healthier when they grow older and become eligible for Medicare. It will also ensure that seniors across the country will continue to enjoy much-needed benefits like lower prescription drug costs, annual wellness and prevention visits, improved chronic care and alternatives to nursing home care, as well extending the Medicare Trust Fund by eight years," said Jim Firman , president and CEO of NCOA.

"While the Medicaid ruling needs more study, today is an important day for seniors, their families, and their caregivers across the United States."

For more information, visit www.ncoa.org/StraightTalk.

About NCOA
The National Council on Aging is a nonprofit service and advocacy organization headquartered in Washington, DC. NCOA is a national voice for millions of older adults—especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged—and the community organizations that serve them. It brings together nonprofit organizations, businesses, and government to develop creative solutions that improve the lives of all older adults. NCOA works with thousands of organizations across the country to help seniors find jobs and benefits, improve their health, live independently, and remain active in their communities. For more information, please visit: www.ncoa.org |www.facebook.com/NCOAging | www.twitter.com/NCOAging

SOURCE National Council on Aging