DES MOINES — As the country grapples with a growing coronavirus pandemic, Iowa Voices – an organization focused on the voting record of Iowa Senator Joni Ernst – released a new research report today detailing how the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has benefitted Iowans since its passage nearly a decade ago — and why it’s more critical than ever during this public health emergency. The tenth anniversary of the ACA becoming law is Monday, March 23.
The report, entitled The Affordable Care Act In Iowa, can be read online here.The report finds that because of the ACA:
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More than 115,400 Iowans now have access to affordable health care coverage through Medicaid expansion;
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24,000 young Iowans can stay on their parents’ health insurance plan up to the age of 26; and
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More than 42,000 Iowans have received tax credits, with an average tax credit of $881 per month, that make care more accessible.
Despite the ACA’s success in Iowa, members of Iowa’s congressional delegation — including Senators Ernst and Grassley — have voted repeatedly to repeal the law and are supporting a Trump Administration law to wipe out the law entirely. That case will be heard by the Supreme Court in its next term.
“The Affordable Care Act has been a landmark first step in health care and has benefited so many Iowans by expanding coverage and protecting those with pre-existing conditions,” said Iowa State Representative Liz Bennett (D-Cedar Rapids). “The report released by Iowa Voices shows the positive impact the ACA has had on Iowans’ lives, something we need during this national crisis. However, it is clear by their continued assault on health care, if Republicans had their way the coronavirus could be considered a pre-existing condition, further jeopardizing care. We must keep from going backwards and continue to improve health care for all Iowans.”
“Hundreds of thousands of Iowans have benefitted from the Affordable Care Act over the past ten years,” said Matt Brau, research director at Iowa Voices. “We need the ACA more than ever as we fight a dangerous pandemic. It’s critical that leaders here in Iowa and in Washington safeguard the protections and benefits Iowans have come to rely on over the last decade. These include having coverage for the first time, not being denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition, paying less in premiums, or receiving life saving medicine they need. Thankfully so many more of us have access to health care, and will not be discriminated against because of having the coronavirus or any pre-existing condition.”
