New Report Shows Maryland Families Are Benefitting from the Affordable Care Act

WASHINGTON, DC– Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) highlighted a new report released by the White House on the benefits that Marylanders are experiencing as a result of the Affordable Care Act.

"Today's report shows that the Affordable Care Act is making a significant difference for Maryland families," stated Congressman Hoyer. "From the 46,000 young adults who gained coverage through their parents' insurance to the over 2.5 million people who can no longer be discriminated against due to pre-existing conditions, Marylanders are experiencing a wide-range of benefits as a result of the Affordable Care Act. This report comes just days after the Governor's announcement that the Administration has made substantial progress on improvements to the Maryland Health Connection website. As enrollment continues, I continue to monitor these efforts so more Marylanders can access quality, affordable health care coverage."

According to the report:

• Up to 2,543,000 Marylanderswith pre-existing conditions such as asthma, cancer, or diabetes – including up to 320,000 children – will no longer have to worry about being denied coverage or charged higher prices.
• Approximately 150,000 Marylanders have received rebates averaging $143 per family from insurance companies this year, as a result of a provision that requires insurance companies that don't spend at least 80 percent of premium dollars on health care benefits to provide consumers with a rebate or reduce premiums for the difference.
• In the first ten months of 2013, 45,900 seniors and people with disabilities in Maryland have saved on average $916 on prescription medications as the health care law closes Medicare's so-called "donut hole."
• 46,000 young adults in Maryland have gained health insurancebecause they can now stay on their parents' health plans until age 26.
• 1,518,000 Marylanders on private insurance have gained coverage for at least one free preventive health care servicesuch as a mammogram, birth control, or an immunization in 2011 and 2012.
• 481,000 uninsured Marylanders will have new health insurance optionsthrough Medicaid or private health plans in the Marketplace.

Click here for the full state-by-state report.