Hoyer Statement on the 13th Anniversary of the Affordable Care Act

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement on the 13th Anniversary of the Affordable Care Act: 

"Thirteen years ago, President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law. That legislation was predicated upon a simple truth: the prosperity of our nation depends on the health of all its people.  With the stroke of a pen, countless American families no longer had to worry that an unforeseen illness, accident, or health complication could sink their entire financial future.  People with preexisting conditions finally gained protection from the discriminatory practices that had prevented them from receiving the life-saving care they deserved.  Thanks to the ACA's historic expansions to Medicaid, many disadvantaged Americans were able to enroll in health coverage for the first time.  In the last thirteen years, tens of millions of Americans from all backgrounds have received quality, affordable health insurance because of the ACA. 

"Our work did not end when the ACA became law. In the years since, Democrats have worked to expand on the promise of the ACA and secure quality, affordable health insurance for more Americans than ever before.  Working with the Biden-Harris Administration, Democrats in Congress helped enact the American Rescue Plan and the Inflation Reduction Act, which expanded health-care tax credits that dramatically reduced monthly ACA premiums and boosted the ranks of the insured.  The 2023 open enrollment period alone saw a record 16.3 million Americans – including more than 3.6 million new enrollees – select a health plan through the ACA marketplaces.  These policies and others like them that Democrats have secured in recent years continue to cut health-care costs for Americans across the country. From capping the monthly cost of insulin at $35 and negotiating cheaper prescription drugs for Medicare recipients to expanding Medicaid even further and shrinking the coverage gap, we have built on the legacy of the ACA.

"That work is not yet finished, however.  For years, Democrats have stood strong – and stood united – to resist Republican efforts to repeal these vital programs.  Today, our commitment to ensuring that all Americans have access to affordable, quality health care remains steadfast.  We know that an overwhelming majority of the American people share that wish, which is why Democrats will not yield until it becomes a reality."

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