Hoyer Statement on Fifth Anniversary of the Affordable Care Act

WASHINGTON, DC –Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) released the following statement in recognition of the fifth anniversary of the Affordable Care Act being signed into law on March 23, 2010:

"Five years ago today, President Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act into law, opening the door to quality, affordable healthcare for thousands of Marylanders. I was proud to have played a leading role in moving that legislation through the House of Representatives as Majority Leader, and I will continue to work with my colleagues in the House to defend the law. 

"In Maryland, more than 289,000 consumers enrolled in quality, affordable health insurance coverage, including more than 84,000 in the Fifth District. 71 percent of Marylanders who were signed up for a plan qualified for a tax credit through the Maryland Health Connection.

"Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, gone are the days when patients could legally be denied coverage due to a pre-existing condition, be subjected to annual and lifetime coverage limits, and be charged a higher rate just for being a woman. The law's cost-savings provisions are slowing the growth of health care costs and making it easier for families to get covered. Seniors on Medicare are receiving annual wellness visits and a range of preventive services with no out-of-pocket costs. Young people under age twenty-six can now remain covered through their parents' plans in those critical few years after college as they seek their first jobs. The Affordable Care Act is working, and there is no turning the clock back.

"After fifty-six failed votes to repeal or undermine this law – notwithstanding the Supreme Court's ruling upholding it – it is time for opponents to stop working to undo the law's patient protections and cost savings. We should all stand strong in protecting Marylanders and all Americans' access to affordable, quality healthcare."