Conyers Marks Anniversary of Historic Health Care Reform Law’s Passage

U.S. Representative
John Conyers, Jr.

Two years later, Data Shows the Affordable Care Act is Benefiting the People of Michigan’s 14^th Congressional District

(DETROIT) – Today, Representative John Conyers, Jr. (M-14) marked the Affordable Care Act’s two-year anniversary by announcing results of a new analysis that shows that thousands of people in Michigan’s 14^thCongressional  District are already benefiting from the health care reform law.   The 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.      

“Two years ago today, President Obama signed the historic Affordable Care Act into law to the benefit of hundreds of thousands of people here in the 14^th Congressional District and millions of Americans across the country,” said Conyers.  “Whether you are parent of a young child with a pre-existing condition, a young adult starting out on your own, or a senior citizen living on a fixed income, data shows the Affordable Care Act has already begun providing critical benefits. 

“Conservative lawmakers want to repeal the Affordable Care Act and put insurance companies back in charge.  As a result, millions of Americans will face higher costs and reduced benefits.   I will continue to fight the Republican Majority’s efforts to repeal this historic piece of legislation that puts Americans’ health care needs ahead of corporate bottom lines.”

“And as the Affordable Care Act continues to be implemented, the term ‘Obamacare’ will continue to grow as a rallying cry for those who proudly supported President Obama’s historic actions in securing meaningful health care reform to the benefit of all Americans.”  

The new analysis shows that the new health care law has already provided:
·         Protection for 290,000 individuals in the 14^th 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 the 14^thCongressional District are now protected from these rescissions. 

·         Elimination of the lifetime limits on their health care coverage for 140,000 individuals in the 14^thCongressional District. The new health care law prohibits insurers from placing a lifetime limit on coverage.  It is estimated that 140,000 individuals in the 14^th  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 3,300 additional young adults in the 14^th 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, 3,300 young adults in the  14^th Congressional District have already gained health care coverage.
·         Lower drug costs for 2,500 seniors in the 14^th 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, 2,500 seniors in the 14^th Congressional District have already received prescription drug discounts worth $1.5 million, an average discount of $580 per senior.

·         Free key preventive services for 58,000 seniors in the 14^th Congressional District.  The new health care law provides free Medicare coverage of key preventive services, such as mammograms,

colonoscopies, and annual wellness visits. 

·         Free key preventive services for 80,000 individuals under age 65 in the 14^th 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, 80,000 individuals under age 65 in the 14^th Congressional District have already received free preventive services, such as mammograms and check-ups.

·         Protection for up to 38,000 children with pre-existing conditions in the 14^th 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 38,000 children with pre-existing conditions in the 14^thCongressional District are now protected against insurer denials.