Historic decision affects Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Rhode island leaders are applauding Thursday's health care ruling by the United States Supreme Court.

Many are calling it a victory for efforts to ensure all Rhode Islanders have access to quality health care.

120,000 uninsured Rhode Islanders will be affected in different ways by the court ruling.

Now, the state is moving forward with efforts to implement the law.

Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Roberts says while some states have been dragging their feet, Rhode Island hit the ground running when the Health Reform Act passed in 2010.

There will be a website Rhode Islanders can log onto and shop for health insurance.

"I think this really secures what we're trying to do which is making healthcare affordable, having access and it really changes the environment," says Lt. Governor Roberts.

Eyewitness News has discovered other ways the Supreme Court ruling impacts Rhode Islanders.

7,500 young adults can stay on their parents insurance plans until age 26.

54,000 residents with pre-existing conditions will have access to coverage.

Thousands more seniors will continue receiving discounts on prescription drugs.

For women, the decision has added significance.

It prohibits insurance companies from charging women higher premiums than men for the same coverage.

It also prohibits women being denied coverage from pre-existing conditions, like pregnancy and breast cancer.

The Affordable Health Care Act also prohibits any insurer from dropping anyone with a pre-existing condition.

All of these changes will be in place by 2014.