Post by bot on Oct 1, 2013 17:03:59 GMT -5
Hoyer Statement on Beginning of Open Enrollment for Health Insurance Exchanges
WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today marking the beginning of open enrollment for the health insurance exchanges created through the Affordable Care Act:
“Today, with the beginning of open enrollment for health insurance exchanges in all fifty states and the District of Columbia, Americans across the country are now able to shop, compare, and sign up for insurance plans that offer real choices and competitive pricing. As a result, millions of uninsured Americans will be able to access affordable coverage, many for the first time.
“While Republicans in Congress continue to waste time trying to repeal or defund the Affordable Care Act and have now shut down the government in pursuit of that effort, the full implementation of that law continues, and Americans are already experiencing its benefits. The growth in health care costs has slowed to its lowest point in fifty years, and consumers have already been receiving rebates from insurance companies whenever more than 20% of their premium dollars are spent on costs other than patient care. The Medicare Part D prescription drug ‘donut’ hole is closing, and millions of Medicare beneficiaries are accessing free preventive screenings and services that used to require a co-pay. Quality is up, and coverage is becoming more affordable – not only for those on Medicare but for individuals and families on private plans as well.
“House Democrats will continue to defend health care reform. Instead of continuing their obsession with undermining the Affordable Care Act, Republicans ought to work with Democrats to make sure the law – which passed Congress, was signed into law, and upheld by the Supreme Court – is implemented as effectively as possible and continues to expand access that benefits more Americans.”
Visit www.democraticwhip.gov/ for more press, floor and member resources.