Reid Statement On The Sixth Anniversary Of The Affordable Care Act

Nevada Senator Harry Reid released the following statement marking the sixth anniversary of the signing of the Affordable Care Act:

"Six years ago today, the United States took the greatest single step in generations toward ensuring access to quality, affordable health care for all Americans. Our nation's health care system and the lives of millions of people have improved greatly since then, and we have the Affordable Care Act to thank for it.

"The facts speak for themselves. More than 20 million people have gained coverage since the signing of the Affordable Care Act. For the first time, more than 90 percent of Americans have health insurance and as many as 129 million Americans with pre-existing conditions can no longer be denied coverage. Meanwhile, seniors saved billions on prescription drugs and preventive services and more than four million people gained health insurance through the law's Medicaid expansion. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, burdens have been lifted from millions of Americans.

"In Nevada, the uninsured rate has fallen drastically and the benefits of the Affordable Care Act have reached every corner of the state. Nearly 264,000 Nevadans have gained coverage through Medicaid or CHIP, which contributed to the Silver State experiencing the nation's largest decrease in the rate of uninsured children. And, during the most recent open enrollment period, more than 88,000 Nevadans signed up for coverage on the state's health insurance marketplace, which was a 20 percent increase over the year before. Nevadans -- like millions of people throughout the country -- recognize that there is no going back to a time when they were denied coverage or access to affordable care.

"Despite the health reform law's immense success, Republicans remain obsessed with dismantling the Affordable Care Act. They are determined to undo the tremendous good it has done for millions of Americans, and have voted more than 60 times to do just that. But it is only a matter of time before Republicans finally see the truth: The Affordable Care Act -- like Medicare and Medicaid -- is part of our nation's fabric, and will remain a pillar of our nation's health care system. Democrats will continue to build on the progress made over the last six years, and we invite Republicans to join us in that effort."

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