On Affordable Care Act Anniversary, Democrats Lower Health Care Costs While Republicans Pledge to Raise Them

CHARLESTON, West Virginia, March 24 -- The West Virginia Democratic Party issued the following news release:

Democrats have built on the success of the Affordable Care Act with the American Rescue Plan, saving many Americans $800 last year - no thanks to a single West Virginia Republican in Congress.

Twelve years ago today, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was signed into law, which lowered health care costs for millions and made it easier for Americans with pre-existing conditions to get coverage. Since then, President Biden and Democrats' American Rescue Plan has built on the success of the ACA. Thanks to the American Rescue Plan, over 23,000 people in West Virginia who get insurance through the marketplaces established by the ACA are now seeing reduced health care costs - no thanks to every single Republican member of West Virginia's congressional delegation, who unanimously voted against the American Rescue Plan.

This anniversary comes as Republicans have indicated they would deliver an agenda of hiking taxes and raising health insurance premiums if they take power. Earlier this month, Republican Senator Ron Johnson confirmed that some Republicans still want to repeal the Affordable Care Act. That would mean that more than 100 million Americans with preexisting conditions would lose insurance protections, Americans with private insurance could see their premiums skyrocket, 21 million Americans could lose their insurance, and more. Meanwhile, National Republican Senatorial Committee Chair Rick Scott's agenda could raise taxes on over 45% of West Virginians.

"Twelve years ago today, Democrats passed the Affordable Care Act amid unprecedented Republican opposition. Since then, Democrats have built on the progress of the ACA by expanding health care access and lowering costs for over 23,000 West Virginians with the American Rescue Plan, a move that Republicans unanimously opposed. The contrast could not be more clear: While Democrats are still fighting to lower costs for families, Republicans are still running on an agenda of higher premiums and reduced health care options for West Virginians," said Belinda Biafore, West Virginia Democratic Party Chairwoman.