Millions gained health care under ACA

Happy 14th Birthday to the Affordable Care Act. The ACA was signed into law in March 2010, and provides reasonable health insurance for over 21 million people and another 24 million people gained health care coverage through ACA’s Medicaid expansion.

What does the ACA mean for Iowans? Some 83,000 Iowans now have health care through ACA and another 245,000 Iowans are enrolled in Medicaid expansion coverage. Approximately one in 11 Iowans have ACA or the Medicaid expansion programs.

According to Women in Iowa, as of 2023, 32% of single mothers with kids live in poverty and depend on the ACA and Medicare expansion. Because of the ACA, women can no longer be charged more than men for the same coverage. Maternity care is covered and postpartum care is being expanded to 12 months.

The ACA keeps women and children healthy and in school. Without affordable health insurance, women and children fail to get needed care, end up in emergency rooms, and are not able to pay their medical bills.

Not a single Republican voted for the ACA and many Republicans have tried to overturn the ACA, which could throw thousands of families into a state of no health insurance. The former president said he will cut the ACA if elected, leaving thousands of Iowans without adequate medical insurance.

The Democrats have protected Iowans by lowering prescription drug and insurance costs. Hurray to the Democrats who passed the ACA 14 years ago and will continue to provide for reasonable health care insurance.

Ann Fields

Lansing