March 21, 2024

Chairman Aguilar: More Latinos have health insurance than ever before because of the ACA

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar joined Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark, Assistant Democratic Leader Joe Neguse, Senate Appropriations Chair Patty Murray and Senate DPCC Chair Debbie Stabenow in commemorating the 14th anniversary of the House passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

CHAIRMAN AGUILAR: Thank you so much, Senator, for your leadership. We're here to celebrate these 14 years standing on the shoulders of the work that late Senator Harry Reid and our Speaker, our forever Speaker Nancy Pelosi did, and her legacy is why we are here to celebrate. 

There's not too much that I can add to what's already been said, but I did want to focus on one thing: there are more Latinos enrolled in health insurance today than ever before because of this monumental legislation. That peace of mind and quality, affordable healthcare is especially important. We've seen a 53 percent increase in Latino enrollment since President Biden took office. 

When the ACA was first enacted, it represented a commitment to everyone in this country, regardless of race or zip code, that you would have the ability to access affordable and quality healthcare. Today, that promise still stands.

Millions of families have access to premiums as low as $10 a month, Americans with preexisting conditions are no longer denied coverage, seniors can save on prescription drugs and out-of-pocket costs are becoming lower and lower for everyday Americans. 

As we look to the next 14 years, we recommit ourselves to defending and strengthening the ACA, leaving no one behind and making sure that we have a more equitable healthcare system.

Even as Extreme MAGA Republicans double down in their relentless pursuits of ripping healthcare from working families, House Democrats will make sure that we never stop fighting to protect our communities and the ACA. 

With that, I'll turn it over to Assistant Democratic Leader Joe Neguse.

Video of the full press conference can be viewed here.

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