Rep. Maloney Celebrates the Anniversary of the Affordable Care Act

WASHINGTON, March 25 -- Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, issued the following news release:

Twelve years since President Obama and the Democratic Congress enacted the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) highlighted how this life-saving legislation has expanded access to quality, affordable health insurance in New York and across the country.

"The Affordable Care Act represented a generational step forward in the fight to secure quality, affordable health care for all," said Rep. Maloney. "Twelve years later, this historic law continues to safeguard the lives, health, and financial security of working New York families. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Affordable Care Act has proven more essential than ever, ensuring that all Americans can access care when it matters most. I will continue working to strengthen and expand the Affordable Care Act, slash the prices of prescription drugs, and bring down health costs for New Yorkers."

Twelve years after it was signed into law, the Affordable Care Act continues to strengthen New Yorkers access to quality health care. It banned insurance companies from discriminating against individuals with pre-existing conditions, protecting 314,800 non-elderly NY-12 residents from being denied coverage over circumstances out of their control. Additionally, 592,868 New Yorkers have gained quality coverage through the Affordable Care Act's Medicaid expansion. New York is one of seven states that have reduced their uninsured rate by at least half through enrollment in Marketplace coverage and expansion of Medicaid to adult populations.

Background

Democrats' American Rescue Plan built on the Affordable Care Act and further lowered health care costs for families. Passed last year amid the health and financial challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, this legislation:

* Is saving families an average of $2,400 in annual premiums

* Has helped enroll a record 14.5 million Americans in marketplace plans - including 221,895 New Yorkers, a 3% percent increase from last year

Despite this historic progress, Republicans are still openly threatening to repeal the Affordable Care Act if they win majorities in Congress. Repealing the Affordable Care Act would end health coverage for many New Yorkers, terminate protections for pre-existing conditions, and spike costs for working families.