Pelosi Statement on Fifth Anniversary of the Affordable Care Act

"Five years ago, we made history together when President Obama signed into law one of the most consequential pieces of legislation in a generation: the Affordable Care Act. For generations, Americans have fought to make health care a right for all, not a privilege for the few. Today, the Affordable Care Act stands alongside Social Security and Medicare as a fundamental pillar of security for the American people.

"The Affordable Care Act has provided newfound health security to millions of children, women, workers and families. Thanks to this historic law, more than 16 million previously uninsured Americans have finally secured quality, affordable coverage for themselves and their families. No longer do 105 million Americans live under the threat of an annual or lifetime limit on their health care. No longer can the 130 million Americans with pre-existing conditions be denied health coverage. And no longer is being a woman considered a pre-existing condition.

"Over the last few years, health care spending has been growing at the slowest rate in more than half a century. Since the Affordable Care Act, we have extended the solvency of the Medicare Trust fund by more than a decade. We have helped save taxpayers $116 billion through new Medicare efficiencies. More than 9 million seniors have saved more than $15 billion on prescription drugs, an average savings of $1,598 per senior. We are ensuring that no senior is forced to choose between paying for medicine and a meal.

"Five years later, as more Americans enjoy affordable, quality health coverage, we know that the ACA works. Yet, House Republicans continue their obsession with destroying this law and the health security it is providing millions and millions of American families. Fifty-six votes to repeal or undermine the Affordable Care Act later, it is time for Republicans to seek help for their fixation, and join with us in celebrating the health and economic security that this landmark law affords every American."