RI leaders hail health care ruling

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- Rhode Island's Democratic leaders say the U.S. Supreme Court ruling upholding the Affordable Care Act is a victory for efforts to ensure all Rhode Islanders have access to quality health care.

Democratic congressmen David Cicilline and Jim Langevin said Thursday that the ruling clears the way for the state to move forward with efforts to implement the law.

Gov. Lincoln Chafee tells WPRO-AM that the ruling is "great news" and that citizens "want high quality health care at the lowest possible cost."

Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts says the law will extend Medicaid coverage, make thousands eligible for insurance subsidies, and rein in rising health care costs for all.

The state plans to launch its online insurance marketplace next year to connect consumers and businesses to health plans.