Congressman Henry Cuellar, (D-Laredo), today recognized the many health care benefits that the Affordable Care Act has provided for millions of Americans and will work hard to make sure these benefits are not taken away.

“As each provision rolls into effect, we witness the real-life positive impacts that it has on our parents, children, and grandparents and our families can rest assured that their health care and well-being is protected,” said Congressman Cuellar “These direct results make it more difficult to understand why we would ever consider taking these benefits away.”

“Our American families deserve to have accessible and high-quality health care, and I will continue to work to ensure that  the health care reform law continues to safeguard Americans well-being, “said Congressman Cuellar.

Under the reform, 2.7 million seniors, including over 2,100 seniors in Congressman Cuellar’s district, have received a 50 percent discount for brand-name prescription drugs once they hit the ‘donut hole’, an average savings of more than $500 per senior per year. Residents of Congressman Cuellar’s district saved more than $1.2 million in prescription drug costs. Since the Affordable Care Act passed, 2.5 million young adults now have health care coverage thanks to the provision that allows them to stay on their parent’s health plan until their 26^th birthday.

More than 24 million seniors have received one or more free preventive services under Medicare, such as an annual Wellness Visit, mammograms or colonoscopies. Also, 17 million children now have guaranteed protection because under reform, insurance companies are now prohibited from discriminating against children with pre-existing conditions.

In January, 2011, House Republicans introduced the Health Reform Repeal Act, which would have reduced health care coverage and benefits, and repealed key new consumer protections that are designed to protect Americans and their families. Had the repeal passed, insurers would still be able to drop individuals from coverage if they get sick, and place a lifetime limit on coverage, which has in the past forced families into bankruptcy when a serious illness struck. The repeal would have also allowed insurers to impose low annual limits on coverage, which would increase health care costs for families.