On the second anniversary of the landmark Affordable Care Act, Congressman Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, shed light on the positive impact that the health care reform law has had on his constituents of the 28^th Congressional District in Texas.

“Today is more than a milestone, it is a remarkable reminder of the millions of people this law has helped,” said Cuellar. “Those of us who supported this law when the time came to vote knew the tremendous potential it had to improve Americans’ lives.”

“Now, we see the projected figures of beneficiaries turn into real-life success stories of thousands of seniors, young adults and children in my district,” said Cuellar. “I am very pleased with the positive impact the law has had on my constituents. I look forward to continue working to provide quality, accessible health care for our hard working families.”

The  health care reform law was signed into law on March 23, 2010, with provisions that include health care and consumer protection benefits that have been gradually rolled out by the Department of Health and Human Services. In the 28^th Congressional District, the implementations have had a positive impact on the district’s residents.

For instance, a provision that allows for young adults to remain on their parent’s health insurance until they reach 26 years of age has benefitted 9,700 young adults. Thanks to the health care law, health insurers can no longer deny coverage to approximately 14,000 to 65,000 children with pre-existing conditions.

Since January 2011, a total of 71,000 seniors in Cuellar’s district have received Medicare preventive services without paying co-pays, coinsurance or deductible. Notably, 3,900 seniors in the district also received $2.3 million worth of prescription drug discounts to help Medicare recipients who enter the “donut hole” and lose prescription drug expense coverage.

More than 90,000 district residents have also benefitted from a provision that requires new private insurance plans to cover preventive care services without any co-pay, coinsurance or deductible. Services include regular pediatrician visits for children, cholesterol and blood pressure screening for adults, immunizations and cancer screenings.

In addition, 430 small businesses in Cuellar’s district received tax credits worth 35 percent or more of the cost of providing health insurance to their employees.

The Affordable Care Act will continue rolling out its provisions until 2014, during which it is expected that virtually all of the major benefits will be in effect.

Testimonials from constituents:

“Once I graduated from high school, I decided to work full time and save for my higher education,” said Amber Resendez, a Pharr resident of Congressman Cuellar’s district now attending The University of Texas – Pan American. “It was a huge relief to receive a letter in the mail letting my mother know that my health coverage would be extended another year while still in school. I was able to concentrate on my studies without the worry of what were to happen to my family financially should I get sick.”

“In January of 2010, my husband was diagnosed with cancer, and the emotional stress was only the beginning of the battle,” said the wife of Gerardo Trevino of Laredo, Texas. “My husband was uninsured, and his pre-existing condition did not allow us to afford insurance. My husband went a year without chemotherapy until Congressman Cuellar’s office told us of the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan made available because of the health care reform law.  My husband deserved a fighting chance – and this law made sure he was given just that.”

 “I have spent the past three years uninsured due to quotes as high as $900 a month from insurance companies because of my father’s health history – a price my family simply could not afford,” said Gloria Sasser of Seguin, Texas. “My husband and I had to save money and hope the amount would cover my expenses should I become ill. Next year I will be eligible for Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act, through not only its coverage options for those with pre-existing conditions but also its lowering of prescription drug cost prices, will finally allow my husband, four children and I peace of mind.”