Monday, February 3, 2014
WASHINGTON (Jan. 29, 2014)—The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was not the star of President Obama’s State of the Union address last week, with immigration and the economy taking the spotlight. When the President did speak of the contentious health care law, he focused on the positive, with no mention of or apology for the many glitches experienced at the launch of the ACA’s website and throughout the first few months of enrollment.
President Obama went on the offense, deriding the 40 House votes attempting to repeal the ACA and talking about the triumph of the health care bill: 3 million individuals under the age of 26 gained coverage under their parents’ plan, 9 million individuals signed up for private insurance or Medicaid, and zero Americans that can ever again have their coverage cancelled or denied because of a preexisting condition like asthma or cancer.
His optimism did not stop at the ACA, saying, “…we did all this while adding years to Medicare’s finances, keeping Medicare premiums flat, and lowering prescription costs for millions of seniors.” The President also looked to the future, saying that he welcomed new, constructive ideas from both political parties that cut costs, increased choices, and covers more Americans.
The Republican response delivered by Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) similarly looked forward in search of change—albeit in a different direction. McMorris Rodgers, chair of the House Republican Conference said, “No, we shouldn’t go back to the way things were, but this law is not working. Republicans believe health care choices should be yours, not the government’s. And that whether you’re a boy with Down syndrome or a woman with breast cancer…you can find coverage and a doctor who will treat you.” Visit aahomecare.org.
