Pallone Marks Second Anniversary of the Health Care Reform Law

Statement

On the two year anniversary of the historic health care reform law, the Affordable Care Act, Congressman Frank Pallone, Senior Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee and one of the principal authors of the law, released the following statement:

"As we mark two years of the Affordable Care Act, I remain proud to have had a role in authoring this important piece of legislation. Today, millions of Americans are benefitting from expanded health care access, lower health care costs and patient protections because of the law.

"Thanks to health care reform, 5.1 million seniors who fell into the Medicare Part D "donut hole' have saved an average of $635 on their prescription drugs, and 2.5 million young adults gained insurance because they can stay on their parents plan until 26 if they are without job-based coverage. Today, up to 17 million children with pre-existing conditions can no longer be denied health coverage, and insurance companies are banned from imposing 'lifetime limits' on health coverage -- freeing cancer patients and individuals suffering with chronic illness from worrying about going bankrupt because they are sick.

"Despite the real benefits and savings for Americans, Republicans seek to dismantle the Affordable Care Act piece-by-piece. And their alternative for health care is bleak. The latest Republican budget would end the Medicare guarantee while increasing health costs for seniors. I will continue to fight for the Affordable Care Act, and I look forward to it continuing to benefit millions of Americans as the law takes full effect in the years ahead."

Source