Obama silent on King v. Burwell in Catholic Hospital Association speech

President highlights success from reforms in speech.

While many anticipated President Barack Obama on Tuesday to talk about the looming King v. Burwell decision, the President stayed mum, instead warning future administrations about reversing progress made by the industry.

"We're not going back to a time when citizens are denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition,” Obama said during his speech at the Catholic Hospital Association Conference.

“I am not the first President to take up this cause, but I am determined to be the last,” he said.

[Also: Insured wait on King v. Burwell decision]

The President also pointed to the significant drop in the rate of uninsured since the Affordable Care Act became law.

However, many thought his speech would follow remarks he made Monday during the G-7 summit, when he reportedly questioned the U.S. Supreme Court decision to hear the case that will ultimately determine whether millions of Americans lose their health insurance subsidies.

Though the President in his speech Tuesday mentions “partisan attempts to roll back progress."

[Also: King v. Burwell arguments held in U.S. Supreme Court]

“It’s cynical to take coverage away from millions of people," he said.

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While the President left out King v. Burwell, Obama did praise provider Ascension Health for its recent decision to raise its minimum wage. The hospital operator is lifting its minimum wage to $11 an hour on July 5. Major insurer Aetna also recently lifted its minimum wage to $15 an hour.

Twitter: @SusanMorseHFN