On Eve of Second Anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, Congresswoman Hirono Votes to Protect Families

Statement

Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) today released the following statement on the second anniversary of the Affordable Care Act and her vote against H.R. 5, legislation that attempts to roll back key provisions of the law:

"On the eve of the Affordable Care Act's second anniversary, it is unfortunate that some in Congress are working hard to roll back the important protections this law provides families and taxpayers. This law stops insurance companies from denying coverage to children because of a pre-existing condition. It stops the insurance companies from saying that being a woman is a pre-existing condition and we can charge you more. It's helping seniors pay for their prescription drugs. And now young people can stay on their parents' insurance until they're 26.

"This is a common-sense law that is saving taxpayers' money. Medicare costs have already slowed as a result. But the bill we voted on today would take away protections that stop taxpayers from paying for unnecessary medical procedures. How does that lower health care costs?

"Today's bill also makes it more difficult for an injured patient harmed by the misconduct of a doctor to be fairly compensated. The reality is a small percentage of doctors are responsible for over half the medical malpractice cases. We shouldn't be protecting these providers over the rights of injured patients, yet that's what today's bill would do.

"It's fitting that on this day I also met with leaders from 8 of Hawaii's community health care centers. They serve more than 130,000 patients throughout the state. The message they shared with me is the Affordable Care Act has made a positive difference in the lives of so many. I agree and on its second anniversary we should be fighting to make health care more accessible for our families, not less."

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