Saturday marked the 14th anniversary of President Barack Obama signing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) into law. Thanks to the tireless work of President Biden and Democrats in Congress, the 2024 open enrollment period was the most successful in history — a record-breaking 21.4 million Americans signed up for quality, affordable health care. President Biden, former President Barack Obama and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi made a joint appearance to celebrate the ACA anniversary and to warn against looming Republican threats to destroy the law. At the event and online, Democratic leaders highlighted all of the cost savings and protections under the ACA, including protections for millions of people with pre-existing conditions, savings for over 45 million with premium tax credits and coverage through Medicaid expansion, and free cancer screenings and preventive care for over 150 million patients.
The ACA is stronger and more popular than ever, yet Republicans won’t quit threats of repeal. Just last week, Republicans once again introduced a budget that would strip away protections for people with pre-existing conditions, increase insurance premiums and prescription drug costs, and put Medicaid coverage for tens of millions in jeopardy. Presumptive GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump sabotaged affordable health care and pre-existing condition protections while he was in office, and has renewed his calls to “terminate” the ACA if re-elected at least seven times over the last several months.
HEADLINES
USA Today: Obama, Pelosi Join Biden To Mobilize Voters Ahead Of Affordable Care Act Anniversary. “This weekend marks the 14th anniversary of the ACA’s passage, which provides protections and subsidies to make health care more affordable and policies easy to understand. Biden’s Republican challenger, former President Donald Trump, has campaigned on repealing and replacing the ACA − a stance he has carried since he was in the White House. Congressional Republicans failed in 2017 to overhaul the healthcare plan under Trump’s administration. A record number of Americans enrolled in the ACA for 2024, the Biden administration announced earlier this year. It marked the third consecutive year enrollment has set a record.” [USA Today, 3/20/24]
The Hill: Biden, Democratic Lawmakers Celebrate 14th Anniversary Of Affordable Care Act. “President Biden and many other Democratic lawmakers posted online in celebration of the 14th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on Saturday. […] The ACA, commonly called ObamaCare, was signed into law by former President Obama, who also highlighted the anniversary with a post. […] Several other Democratic lawmakers posted online celebrating the anniversary and the impacts the ACA has had in the last 14 years. Many warned of a second Trump term and what it could mean for the historic legislation.” [The Hill, 3/23/24]
CNN: Biden And Obama Look To Capitalize On Trump’s Latest Threats To Repeal Obamacare. “Although the Affordable Care Act became law without Republican support, and the GOP spent much of the remainder of Obama’s time in office trying to repeal it, the law has surged in popularity since Trump took office in 2017. Biden campaign officials believe preserving the law is a potent political issue, as Obamacare sign-ups for 2024 coverage hit a record 21.3 million. Trump vowed to repeal the law when he became president but failed to do so – in large part because neither he nor congressional Republicans had a solid replacement health care plan.” [CNN, 3/20/24]
USA Today: Joe Biden, Obama And Pelosi Warn Against Trump’s Push To Repeal Affordable Care Act. “President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign held an organizing call Saturday with supporters championing the Affordable Care Act on its 14th anniversary and warning against former President Donald Trump’s efforts to repeal it in a taped video Friday. Biden was joined by former President Barack Obama and former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi to celebrate the legislation, sometimes referred to as ‘Obamacare.’ The ACA aimed at lowering the costs of health care by expanding Medicaid and offering subsidized private health insurance. Trump has railed against the ACA. During his administration, the former president sought relentlessly to repeal it but congressional Republicans failed to unite behind the effort.” [USA Today, 3/23/24]
The Hill: Biden Campaign Uses ObamaCare Anniversary To Hammer Trump On Health Care. “‘We can’t take this progress for granted. Extreme MAGA Republicans have voted over 50 times to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Just this week, Trump’s allies in the House proposed a budget that would gut this life-saving legislation,’ Biden said in a statement Friday, referring to the Republican Study Committee’s budget proposal. ‘It’s not hyperbole to say that affordable health care for millions of people is on the line in November. I am more determined than ever to beat back MAGA Republican attacks and make health care a right and not a privilege in America,’ Biden said.” [The Hill, 3/22/24]
The New York Times: Obama And Pelosi Appear In Video With Biden Celebrating Health Care Law. “On the 14th anniversary of the signing of the Affordable Care Act on Saturday, President Biden sought to put health care at the center of his re-election campaign, releasing a video featuring former President Barack Obama and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The three highlighted key provisions of the Affordable Care Act, which provides subsidies for millions of Americans to buy health insurance, allows people to stay on their parents’ insurance until age 26 and stops insurers from denying or charging more for coverage based on pre-existing conditions. And they emphasized that former President Donald J. Trump, if re-elected, could get rid of it. He tried to do so in his first term, and in November he said Republicans should ‘never give up’ on repealing it.” [The New York Times, 3/24/24]
The Washington Post: Biden, Obama Tout ACA Ahead Of Fundraiser Next Week. “President Biden, former president Barack Obama and former House speaker Nancy Pelosi appeared together in a video released by the Biden campaign Saturday celebrating the 14th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, and warned that Republican nominee Donald Trump would again try to overturn the law if he wins a second term this November.” [The Washington Post, 3/23/24]
Spectrum News NY1: Biden Taps Obama, Pelosi In Defense Of Affordable Care Act On Campaign Call. “The Biden campaign reached out to pitch what might be lost if former President Donald Trump and his Republican allies win control of the White House and Congress: the Affordable Care Act — colloquially known as Obamacare — and the health insurance rules it mandates. President Joe Biden pulled out a couple of ringers in former President Barack Obama and former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi with the video message, which also marked the 14th anniversary of the ACA’s passage.” [Spectrum News NY1, 3/23/24]
Forbes: 14 Years Of The Affordable Care Act: What It Means For Entrepreneurs. “On March 23, 2010, President Barack Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, often called the Affordable Care Act (ACA) into law. This has since expanded healthcare coverage to tens of millions of Americans, including small business owners, their employees, and their families. A record 21.3 million Americans currently have healthcare coverage because of the ACA Health Insurance Marketplace. The additional options entrepreneurs have today that were not available 14 years ago are benefitting them in numerous ways. Here are five.” [Forbes, 3/22/24]
IN THE STATES
WHYY News: Pa. Democrats, Doctors Push Preservation Of Affordable Care Act In Face Of Trump’s Promise To Repeal. “North Philadelphia resident Taylor Brothers was a teenager by the time her parents were able to insure her and her siblings. Her waitress mother and truck driver father did not have job-based insurance and could not afford to pay out of pocket for insurance premiums. However, her mother signed them up for subsidized coverage under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), which passed 14 years ago this week. That gave them access to the medicines they needed to treat her psoriasis and the family’s other medical needs. ‘It was a godsend,’ Brothers, now a CPR trainer, told WHYY News. ‘Even though my parents were working, they just couldn’t provide a family of five with health insurance.’ Brothers joined state Sen. Vincent Hughes and local doctors at a press conference warning voters about Donald Trump’s plan to repeal the ACA — as the former president has said several times he would do.” [WHYY News, 3/22/24]
The Philadelphia Tribune: Philadelphia Doctors Rally In Favor Of Affordable Care Act. “Local doctors spoke out in favor of the Affordable Care Act, or ACA for short, and against the threat of former President Donald Trump imposing to repeal the bill that has granted millions of Pennsylvanian’s affordable healthcare. The legislation turned 14 on Thursday. The doctors, joined by Sen. Vincent Hughes, stood firmly as he spoke about the position of the Affordable Care Act’s implementation in the state and how its significance to residents was able to improve the lives of many. […] Trump has zoned on his plans in his campaign to repeal ACA. During his time in office, Trump successfully undermined the act, which lead to a drop in enrollment and consequently weakened protections for people with pre-existing conditions. He was just one vote short of total ACA repeal in 2017.” [The Philadelphia Tribune, 3/21/24]
Fox 11: Nevada Acknowledges 14th Anniversary Of Affordable Care Act’s Impact On Healthcare. “Nevada officials gathered at the Washoe democratic party Coordinated Campaign Office on Thursday to mark the 14th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act and how it impacts Nevadans. According to health officials, the state’s uninsured rate has decreased from nearly 23% in 2010 to about 11% in 2022 since the act was signed into law by former President Obama. Trump has previously said he will try to repeal the Care Act if he is re-elected.” [Fox 11, 3/25/24]
Tucson Sentinel: Southern AZ Supporters Of Affordable Care Act Decry Latest GOP Call For Repeal. “But as the law’s 14th anniversary arrives, the congressional Republican Study Committee this week released a budget policy blueprint calling for the ACA’s repeal and on the campaign trail, presumptive GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump has been vowing to sign legislation eliminating the health insurance law if he returns to the White House. The renewed calls to repeal Obamacare come after a record number of Americans purchased insurance plans through the exchange. New subsidies in the Inflation Reduction Act brought down the price of policies and more than 21.3 million people across the nation signed up for coverage before the 2024 enrollment period ended in January. In Arizona, that number topped 348,000. A full repeal of the law would shut down the online marketplace where people can buy policies, allow insurance companies to hikes rates for or simply refuse to insure people with preexisting conditions, remove the current caps on out-of-pocket spending and no longer require insurance companies to allow children to stay on their parents’ policies until they are 26 years old, among other popular provisions.” [Tucson Sentinel, 3/22/24]
Michigan Advance: Democrats Hail ACA Ahead of Anniversary, Blast GOP Efforts To Repeal it. “Democrats in Michigan are highlighting the Affordable Care Act (ACA), with an event held Wednesday in Lansing, and then several more leading up to Saturday’s anniversary of the landmark legislation. Wednesday’s press conference was hosted by Protect Our Care Michigan, a nonprofit that promotes affordable health care, and contrasted the ACA’s positive impact amid a renewed effort by former President Donald Trump to repeal it if he wins a second term in November.” [Michigan Advance, 3/21/24]
Houston Public Media: Texas Enrollment In The Affordable Care Act Hits Record 3.3 Million. “The number of Texans with health coverage under the Affordable Care Act has reached a new all-time high. Total Texas enrollment in the Affordable Care Act spiked to 3.3 million people in February of this year. Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced the news as the program prepares to mark its 14th anniversary on Saturday. […] The latest developments come as Republicans are making fresh efforts to dismantle the program. Former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, has repeatedly said on the campaign trail that he would once again seek to repeal the program if he defeats President Joe Biden in the fall. Trump tried and failed to repeal the Affordable Care Act during his prior term in office. Meanwhile, the House Republican Study Committee has proposed a budget for the next fiscal year that would fully defund the Affordable Care Act. The group contains most of the Texas Republican House delegation, including Houston-area GOP Congressmen Brian Babin, Dan Crenshaw, Morgan Luttrell, Michael McCaul, and Troy Nehls.” [Houston Public Media, 3/22/24]
NJ Spotlight News (Opinion): Protecting The Progress Of The Affordable Care Act. “The Affordable Care Act, commonly known as ‘Obamacare,’ was enacted 14 years ago this week. This landmark legislation made sweeping changes to improve access to and quality of health coverage: It expanded Medicaid, established marketplaces for consumers to easily shop for health insurance, banned insurers from discriminating against people with preexisting conditions, created subsidies for middle-class Americans and required most insurance plans to cover essential health benefits including preventive services, mental health and maternity care. It was controversial on its passage, but the ACA has proven itself resilient over the past 14 years, and now a majority of Americans view it favorably. However, former President Donald Trump has promised that, if elected again, he will work to repeal the law. So, before this November, it is important to take stock of what the ACA has accomplished, what challenges remain and what bright spots are on the horizon.” [NJ Spotlight News (Opinion), 3/25/24]
STATEMENTS
President Joe Biden: “14 years later, the Affordable Care Act is still a very big deal. Today, more Americans have health insurance than under any other President. I’m committed to building on the progress we’ve made by making lower premiums permanent for millions of families.” [President Biden, X, 3/23/24]
Vice President Kamala Harris: “Donald Trump wants to ‘terminate’ the Affordable Care Act. If he’s successful, over 40 million people will lose their health coverage. Protecting access to health care is on the ballot in November.” [Kamala Harris, X, 3/23/24]
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra: In Celebration of 10 Years of ACA Marketplaces, the Biden-Harris Administration Releases Historic Enrollment Data. “On the ten-year anniversary of the ACA Marketplaces, HHS is releasing data that shows just how profoundly it has reshaped what health care looks like for so many Americans. The Marketplaces have become a pillar of American society, a guaranteed place where people can find affordable, quality coverage. Thanks to President Biden’s leadership, more than 21 million Americans have health insurance through the Affordable Care Act Marketplaces, an all-time high, with millions of families saving hundreds of dollars every month. At HHS, we will keep doing everything we can to ensure more people have access to affordable, high-quality health care and the peace of mind that comes with it.” [HHS Press Release, 3/22/24]
CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure: “Today, we celebrate the #AffordableCareAct’s 14th anniversary! @CMSgov continues to build on the #ACA, lowering costs and expanding coverage so that every American has the peace of mind that health insurance brings! #ACA14” [Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, X, 3/23/24]
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-CA): “14 years ago: The Affordable Care Act became law! Now we mark how far we’ve come to expand access to quality, affordable health care—but the fight isn’t over. The GOP promises to repeal it. We won’t stop fighting to expand coverage, lower costs, and protect Medicare and Medicaid.” [Chuck Schumer, X, 3/23/24]
House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-CA-11): “We have the Affordable Care Act to celebrate today because of the outside mobilization of the grassroots who helped Democrats pass it in 2010 and save it from Trump and his MAGA minions — and we’ll Save Our Health Care again! #HappyBirthdayACA” [Nancy Pelosi, X, 3/23/24]
Senate Majority Whip Richard Durbin (D-IL): “14 years ago, I stood alongside President Obama as he signed the ACA into law. Despite its achievements, congressional Republicans, with Donald Trump leading the charge, have continued trying to repeal the law. We cannot let them succeed.” [Senator Dick Durbin, X, 3/24/24]
Senate President Pro Tempore Patty Murray (D-WA): “Republicans have tried to repeal the Affordable Care Act more than *50 times*—and now they’re gearing up to do it again. ACA repeal would rip health care coverage away from millions of people, send costs soaring, end protections for pre-existing conditions—& more.” [Senator Patty Murray, X, 3/23/24]
Senate Democratic Conference Chair of Policy & Communications Debbie Stabenow (D-MI): “14 years ago, I worked with @SpeakerPelosi and my colleagues to write the Affordable Care Act and deliver health care coverage to nearly 46 million Americans. Today, we celebrate this historic law!” [Sen. Debbie Stabenow, X, 3/23/24]
Senate Democratic Conference Vice Chair Elizabeth Warren (D-MA): “14 years ago today, President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law. It’s still a BFD. Health insurers can’t deny coverage because of pre-existing conditions. The uninsured rate has hit record lows. And Democrats have lowered premiums under President Biden’s leadership…But understand this: Donald Trump & his Republican buddies are still trying to repeal the Affordable Care Act & threaten health care for tens of millions of Americans. That’s on their agenda if they take back power. So make no mistake: health care is on the ballot this November.” [Elizabeth Warren, X, 3/23/24, 3/23/24]
Senate Democratic Conference Vice Chair Mark Warner (D-VA): “Happy birthday to the ACA! For fourteen years, this seismic law has been lowering costs for Americans and covering millions for the first time. I’m proud to have voted for it, and I never get tired of hearing how it has helped Virginians.” [Mark Warner, X, 3/23/24]
Senate Democratic Conference Outreach Chair Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV): “14 years ago, President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law. I will always fight alongside @SenateDems to defend and build on the ACA, because it’s made all the difference for Nevada families to get the quality care they need.” [Senator Cortez Masto, X, 3/23/24]
Senate Democratic Conference Vice Chair of Policy & Communications Cory Booker (D-NJ): “The Affordable Care Act has saved Americans money and gotten them the care they need, from checkups to life-saving operations. We must protect and strengthen Obamacare.” [Cory Booker, X, 3/23/24]
Senate Democratic Conference Secretary Tammy Baldwin (D-WI): “Happy Birthday, Affordable Care Act! Passing the ACA & providing Wisconsinites with affordable health care is one of my proudest accomplishments. As Republicans continue to try to repeal it & gut protections for people with pre-existing conditions, I’ll fight it at every turn.” [Sen. Tammy Baldwin, X, 3/23/24]
Deputy Secretary of the Senate Democratic Conference Brian Schatz (D-HI): “For the past 14 years, the Affordable Care Act has provided tens of millions of Americans with health care they otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford. Democrats have built on the ACA, lowering premiums and drug prices. Republicans are threatening to take it all away.” [Senator Brian Schatz, X, 3/23/24]
Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Member Bob Casey (D-PA): “14 years ago, the Affordable Care Act became law, expanding health care coverage for millions of Americans, protecting people with pre-existing conditions & much more. I’m proud to have supported the ACA & will keep fighting to make sure every American has access to health care.” [Senator Bob Casey, X, 3/23/24]
Senator Peter Welch (D-VT): “The Affordable Care Act lets young adults stay on their parents’ health insurance until 26, protects women and patients with pre-existing conditions from discrimination, and helps millions get covered. 14 years since Democrats passed the ACA into law, it’s stronger than ever.” [Senator Peter Welch, X, 3/23/24]
Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH): “14 years of the #AffordableCareAct means 14 years of: ✅ Protecting Ohioans with preexisting conditions ✅Expanding Medicaid ❌ Defending against attempts to repeal the ACA. We’ll keep fighting to make health care more affordable & accessible for all.” [Sherrod Brown, X, 3/23/24]
House Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-MA): “14 years ago today, President Obama signed the #AffordableCareAct into law — bringing quality health coverage to millions of households. With every passing year, the ACA has made us a stronger, healthier country. Now, MAGA extremists are trying to wipe it off the books.” [Katherine Clark, X, 3/23/24]
House Minority Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (D-CA): “Today marks 14 years since the Affordable Care Act was signed into law! The ACA has changed countless lives in the Inland Empire by lowering health care costs & getting folks insured. Glad to join @SupervisorBaca, @CHSI_Clinics & @IEHP_healthcare to celebrate this milestone.” [Rep. Pete Aguilar, X, 3/23/24]
Assistant House Minority Leader James Clyburn (D-SC): “When President Obama was elected in 2008, over 40 million Americans lacked health insurance. Democrats passed the Affordable Care Act, the biggest healthcare expansion since Medicare. 14 years later, under @POTUS Biden, more than 21 million now have affordable ACA healthcare.” [James E. Clyburn, X, 3/23/24]
House Energy & Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ): “14 years ago, I stood beside President Obama as he signed the Affordable Care Act into law. Today, more than 45 million Americans have health care coverage as a result. We’ve come a long way and we’re not going back. I’ll always stand up to protect Americans’ health care.” [Rep. Frank Pallone, X, 3/23/24]
House Ways & Means Committee Ranking Member Richard Neal (D-MA): “OTD in 2010, @BarackObama signed the Affordable Care Act into law. As I said on the House floor on November 7, 2009, ‘We’re building a baseline of health care for the American family.’ 14 years later, the results speak for themselves. Thank you, @BarackObama. Thank you, @POTUS.” [Rep. Richard Neal, X, 3/23/24]
House Education & Labor Committee Ranking Member Bobby Scott (D-VA): “14 years ago, @BarackObama signed the Affordable Care Act. Since then, over 40 million people have gained health insurance and millions of Americans with pre-existing conditions are now protected. All of that progress is at risk if Donald Trump and the GOP win this fall.” [Bobby Scott, X, 3/23/24]
House Education & Labor Committee Member Susan Wild (D-PA-07): “For 14 years, the Affordable Care Act has provided quality affordable health coverage for Pennsylvanians, and Americans across the country. Let’s continue to build on this progress and make health coverage more affordable and accessible for everyone! #ACA14” [Rep. Susan Wild, X, 3/23/24]
Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14): “Happy Birthday to the #AffordableCareAct! For 14 years this historic law has protected people like me with preexisting conditions and helped millions of Americans get quality, affordable care.” [Rep. Lauren Underwood, X, 3/23/24]
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper: “[W]hile President Biden and Vice President Harris are doing everything they can to protect and even strengthen the Affordable Care Act, we know that Donald Trump has promised to repeal this law with no serious plan to replace it or help the hundreds of millions of people who would be harmed and we better take him at his word on this one because when he was president gutting the Affordable Care Act was one of the few promises that he actually tried to keep. […] Joe Biden as vice president under President Obama was crucial in helping to negotiate and pass this Affordable Care Act 14 years ago. And he’s still even more committed to lowering cost and expanding access to care and making the health care system work for everyday people, not big pharma, not the insurance companies.” [WRAL News, 3/21/24]
