One Year After Failed Repeal Effort, Affordable Care Act Continues to Help Americans

Like many Americans, Gail Freyer needs health insurance to help her manage her diabetes.  For years, she has struggled to find an insurance plan that would accept her with her pre-existing condition – and with a premium she could afford.  Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, Gail was able to enroll in the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan in Arizona.  Now, Gail knows she’ll be able to access the care she needs to manage her diabetes and stay healthy.

This story could have ended very differently if Republicans in the House had their way.  One year ago today, on January 19, 2011, the House of Representatives voted to repeal the health reform law, and take us back to the days when insurance companies had the power to decide what care residents of the United States could receive – allowing them to once again deny coverage to children with pre-existing conditions, cancel coverage when people get sick, and place lifetime or low annual dollar limits on the amount of care people can get, even if they need it.  What’s more, without the law, insurance companies could overcharge for insurance just to boost their profits. And if House Republicans had gotten their way:

•             2.5 million young adults wouldn’t have health insurance.

•             2.65 million seniors would have paid $1.5 billion more for prescription drugs

•             24.2 million seniors would pay for preventive services they are getting for free.

Thankfully, the Affordable Care Act is the law of the land and it’s helping Gail and millions like her. Check out the short report we’ve done about some of the Americans who are being helped by the law and what would have happened if the law has been repealed here.