Congressman Cleaver Frustrated by Déjà Vu in Congress

Press Release

Today, for the 38th time, the House of Representatives will vote to repeal all or part of the Affordable Care Act.

"Again and again we are focusing on something that has no hope of going anywhere," said U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II. "Instead of creating jobs, growing the economy, and strengthening the middle class, we are wasting time on a misguided effort to dismantle a program that is helping millions of people across the country."

New numbers just released outline specifics on the hundreds of thousands in Missouri's Fifth District already benefiting from the Affordable Care Act.

"ACA is about lower costs and better coverage," said Congressman Cleaver. "It's that simple. From young adults to seniors to children with pre-existing conditions, people in my district are saving money, receiving critical protection, and finally getting some peace of mind when it comes to health care."

The new analysis was prepared by the Minority staff of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and shows the following for Missouri's Fifth District:

- 6,900 Young adults now have health insurance through their parents' plan.

- More than 7,500 seniors in the district have received prescription drug discounts worth $9.7 million, an average discount of $580 per person in 2011, $640 in 2012, and $900 so far in 2013.

- 112,000 seniors are now eligible for Medicare preventive services without paying any co-pays, coinsurance, or deductibles.

- 195,000 individuals, including 42,000 children and 81,000 women, now have health insurance that covers preventive services without any co-pays, coinsurance, or deductibles.

- 143,000 individuals are saving money due to ACA provisions that prevent insurance companies from spending more than 20% of their premiums on profits and administrative overhead.

- Up to 43,000 children in Missouri's Fifth District with preexisting health conditions can no longer be denied coverage by health insurers.

- 233,000 individuals now have insurance that can't place lifetime limits on their coverage and will not face annual limits on coverage starting in 2014.

- Up to 125,000 individuals who do not have health insurance will have access to quality, affordable coverage without fear of discrimination or higher rates because of a preexisting health condition.

Source