Congressman Ruben Hinojosa Announces at Press Conference in Washington, D.C. that Hundreds of Thousands of People in His Congressional District are Already Benefiting from Affordable Care Act

Statement

Today- At a press conference next to the steps of the United States Senate, Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-!5), joined by other Democratic leaders, announced that a new analysis shows that hundreds of thousands of people in his district are already benefiting from the Affordable Care Act. The second anniversary of the Affordable Care Act falls on March 23.

"It has only been two years since the Affordable Care Act was signed into law, but millions of Americans are already seeing lower costs and better coverage," said U.S Rep. Hinojosa. "This includes hundreds of thousands of people right here in the 15th Congressional District of the State of Texas." A new analysis prepared by the Minority staff of the House Energy and Commerce Committee provides estimates by congressional district of the number of people benefiting from the new law.

"Residents of my district -- ranging from young adults to seniors to children with pre-existing conditions -- are all already receiving critical benefits from this new health care law," Congressman Hinojosa pointed out.

"Sadly, Texas has the highest rate of uninsured children of any state. About 1 out of every 5 child in Texas has no health coverage. That is why the Affordable Care Act is so vitally important. Since it was enacted, over one million kids in Texas have already begun getting preventive care like immunizations and well-checks without out-of-pocket costs. That's helping kids avoid illness and stay in school, and it's helping all of us avoid unnecessary health care costs for preventable problems", said Congressman Hinojosa.

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

Protection for 290,000 individuals in my congressional district from arbitrarily being dropped from coverage if they get sick. The new health care law prohibits insurers from arbitrarily rescinding an individual's coverage because they become ill. Because of this provision, 290,000 individuals in my congressional district are now protected from these rescissions.
Elimination of the lifetime limits on their health care coverage for 150,000 individuals in my congressional district. The new health care law prohibits insurers from placing a lifetime limit on coverage. It is estimated that 150,000 individuals in my congressional district had lifetime limits on their coverage before health reform, and now no longer do. In the past, in some cases, lifetime limits on coverage have forced some families to declare personal bankruptcy.
Coverage for 9,200 additional young adults in my congressional district. The new health care law requires health insurers to permit parents to retain coverage for their children until their 26th birthday. Because of this provision, 9,200 young adults in my congressional district have already gained health care coverage.
Lower drug costs for 3,700 seniors in my congressional district. The new health care law provides a 50 percent discount for brand-name drugs for seniors in the Medicare Part D "donut hole' coverage gap. Because of this provision, 3,700 seniors in my congressional district have already received prescription drug discounts worth $2.2 million, an average discount of $600 per senior.
Free key preventive services for 71,000 seniors in my congressional district. The new health care law provides free Medicare coverage of key preventive services, such as mammograms,
colonoscopies, and annual wellness visits. Because of this provision, 71,000 seniors in my congressional district have already received free preventive services, lowering their health care costs.

Free key preventive services for 101,000 individuals under age 65 in my congressional district. The new health care law also provides, for those enrolled in new private plans, free coverage of key preventive services. Because of this provision, 101,000 individuals under age 65 in my congressional district have already received free preventive services, such as mammograms and check-ups.
Protection for up to 60,000 children with pre-existing conditions in my congressional district. The new health care law prohibits insurers from denying coverage to children for having a "pre-existing" condition. Because of this provision, up to 60,000 children with pre-existing conditions in my congressional district are now protected against insurer denials.

Congressman Hinojosa added, "Today, thanks to health reform, fewer kids are needlessly winding up in our emergency rooms because manageable diseases like diabetes and asthma can be handled in a doctor's office the way children need."

"Kids and families are being protected against lifetime caps on coverage or benefits, so if a child beats leukemia at age eight, he will still be able to get the care he needs if it relapses at twenty."

"There is room for different views, but not for different facts, and the fact is that millions of kids in Texas and across the country are better off because of the Affordable Care Act."

"As the new benefits of the health care law continue to be implemented, I will continue to fight GOP efforts to repeal this critical law," U.S. Rep. Hinojosa added. "Republican efforts to repeal reform will put the insurance companies back in charge and will lead to higher costs and reduced benefits for millions of Americans across the country."

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