POLITICS: This week, as US President Joe Biden prepares to deliver his fourth State of the Union address on March 7, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) remains a significant focus for the Biden Administration. President Biden has consistently emphasized the importance of affordable and accessible health care for all Americans.
By Michelle Crawford-Sapenter
"Americans make it clear: they don't want the Affordable Care Act repealed. They want it strengthened--thsts tge job I'm focused on." --US President Joe Biden
Most recently, the Biden-Harris Administration has taken a number of key actions to strengthen and support the ACA:
Special Enrollment Period: Shortly after taking office, the administration opened a special enrollment period through HealthCare.gov, allowing all Americans the opportunity to sign up for health insurance. During this period, 2.5 million people have newly enrolled in health insurance, joining the over 30 million peoplewho already have coverage through the ACA1.
American Rescue Plan: The American Rescue Plan has played a crucial role in making health insurance more affordable. Enhanced tax credits have resulted in lower premiums for nine million Americans who purchase their coverage through the ACA. Families are saving an average of $40 per person per month, which amounts to nearly $2,000 per year for a typical family of four. Additionally, over one-third of new and returning HealthCare.gov customers have found quality plans with premiums of $10 or less per month1.
Build Back Better Agenda: The administration aims to extend the enhanced tax credits that lower premiums, allowing nine million people to continue saving on their insurance costs. Furthermore, four million uninsured individualswill gain coverage. These efforts are critical, especially when health care costs remain high1.
Executive Orders: President Biden signed executive orders to strengthen Medicaid and the ACA. These actions demonstrate the administration’s commitment to expanding coverage and improving affordability under the ACA23.
Record Enrollments: Since the launch of the 2024 Marketplace Open Enrollment Period, over 20 million people have selected an ACA Health Insurance Marketplace plan, marking a record number of enrollments under the Biden-Harris Administration.
In summary, President Biden and Vice President Harris believe that health care is a right, not a privilege. Their efforts aim to ensure that every American has access to quality, affordable health care and the peace of mind that health insurance brings.
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