Rep. Lowenthal Highlights that Hundreds of Thousands of People in CA-47 Already Benefiting from Affordable Care Act

Press Release

Today, Congressman Alan Lowenthal announced that a new analysis shows that hundreds of thousands of people in California's 47th Congressional District are already benefiting from the Affordable Care Act. This analysis is being released just as House Republicans are preparing to take their 38th and 39th vote to undermine and repeal the protections and reforms of the health care law.

"Hundreds of thousands of my constituents have already received critical protections and savings due to the law, and beginning in January, even more will gain new access to quality, affordable health care coverage," said Congressman Alan Lowenthal. "There will be speed bumps along the way -- as is true for any new law -- but I will keep fighting until all my constituents have the health security and economic security they deserve." A new analysis prepared by the staff of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, the committee responsible for the Affordable Care Act, provides estimates by congressional district of the number of people benefiting from health care law.

The new analysis shows that the health care law has already provided:

Coverage for 8,300 additional young adults in CA-47. The health care law requires health insurers to permit parents to retain coverage for their children until their 26th birthday. Because of this provision, 8,300 young adults in CA-47 have already gained health care coverage.

Lower drug costs for 6,100 seniors in CA-47. The health care law is providing major savings in drug costs for seniors in the Medicare Part D program. Because of this provision, 6,100 seniors in CA-47 have received prescription drug discounts worth $7.1 million, an average discount of $520 per person in 2011, $590 in 2012, and $630 thus far in 2013.

Free preventive services for 96,000 seniors in CA-47. Since 2011, the health care law provides free Medicare coverage of preventive services, such as mammograms and colonoscopies. Because of this provision, 96,000 seniors in CA-47 are now eligible for Medicare preventive services without any co-pays, coinsurance, or deductible.

Free preventive services for 170,000 individuals in private plans in CA-47. Since September 2010, the health care law also provides, for those enrolled in most private plans, free coverage of preventive services. As a result, 170,000 individuals in private plans -- including 39,000 children and 68,000 women -- now have health insurance that covers preventive services without any co-pays, coinsurance, or deductible.

Savings in premiums for 208,000 individuals in CA-47. More than 208,000 individuals in the district have saved on their premiums due to ACA provisions that prevent insurers from spending more than 20% of their premiums on profits and administrative overhead. Because of these protections, over 34,900 consumers in the district received approximately $2.6 million in insurance company rebates in 2011 and 2012 -- an average rebate of $71 per family in 2012 and $65 per family in 2011.

Protection for up to 41,000 children with pre-existing conditions in CA-47. Since September 2010, the health care law has prohibited insurers from denying coverage to children with a pre-existing health condition. Because of this provision, up to 41,000 children with pre-existing conditions in CA-47 are being protected from denial of coverage.

Elimination of lifetime limits on coverage for 220,000 individuals in CA-47. Since September 2010, the health care law has prohibited insurers from placing a lifetime limit on coverage. As a result, in CA-47, 220,000 individuals no longer have a lifetime limit imposed on their coverage, and beginning in 2014, will not face an annual limit on coverage.

Access to quality, affordable coverage for 131,000 uninsured individuals in CA-47. Beginning in 2014, millions of uninsured Americans will gain access to quality, affordable health coverage, through the new Marketplaces and the expansion of Medicaid, under the health care law. In CA-47, 131,000 individuals who lack health insurance will have access to quality, affordable coverage without fear of discrimination or higher rates because of a preexisting health condition. In addition, 41,000 residents who currently purchase private health insurance on the individual or small group market will have access to more secure, higher quality coverage and many will be eligible for financial assistance.

Congressman Alan Lowenthal represents the cities of Long Beach, Lakewood, Signal Hill, Avalon, Los Alamitos, Rossmoor, Cypress, Westminster, Garden Grove, Buena Park, and Stanton in California's 47th Congressional District.

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