Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) released figures highlighting the number of individuals in Texas who have gained access to free preventive care like recommended cancer screenings and immunizations because of the Affordable Care Act – including both individuals with private insurance and seniors enrolled in Medicare.

Due to ACA, 5,198,000 Texans received expanded coverage of one or more preventive services in 2011 and 2012, according to an analysis by HHS.  Furthermore, due to ACA, 2,266,929 Medicare enrollees in Texas received one or more free preventive services in 2012, according to HHS.

“The Affordable Care Act is allowing access to free recommended preventive services for hundreds of thousands of people in our state of Texas,” Congressman Cuellar said.  “The free recommended preventive services range from mammograms to colonoscopies to flu shots to cholesterol and blood pressure screenings.  These free services save lives.”

“Preventing illnesses before they become serious and more costly to treat helps Americans of all ages stay healthier,” Congressman Cuellar added.  “No longer will these Americans have to choose between paying for preventive care and groceries.”

Helping middle class families and American businesses take advantage of the benefits of the health care law like free preventive care should be a top priority for lawmakers in Washington.  Democrats and Republicans must work together to find a common sense ways to make any needed changes to the Affordable Care Act.