Statement on President Obama’s State of the Union Speech

President Intent on Effective Implementation and Protection of the Affordable Care Act

Tonight, President Obama pledged to continue the process of implementing the Affordable Care Act and bringing to all Americans expanded and affordable health coverage and care. The following is the statement of Ron Pollack, Executive Director of Families USA, on President Obama’s remarks:

“President Obama tonight has made clear that implementation of the Affordable Care Act is one of the highest priorities of his Administration and will go forward as effectively as possible.

“We support this goal, both for the tremendous gains that will come with full implementation of the law, and for the tremendous benefits this milestone legislation has already brought to children, young adults, small businesses, and seniors.

“This remarkable law already prohibits insurance companies from denying health coverage to children with pre-existing conditions, helps seniors in Medicare pay for prescription drugs, allows young people to stay on their parents' coverage until the age of 26, helps people contest claim denials by insurance companies, and provides tax credits for small businesses to provide affordable coverage for their employees.

“As the law is implemented, more of every premium dollar will be spent on delivery of health care, tax credits will help make insurance premiums affordable for middle-class families, and caps on out-of-pocket spending will protect family budgets.

“America’s families will benefit, and increasingly support, the President’s strong stand on health reform."

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Families USA is the national organization for health care consumers. It is nonprofit and nonpartisan and advocates for high-quality, affordable health care for all Americans.

1201 New York Avenue NW, Suite 1100 · Washington, DC 20005
202-628-3030 · Email: info@familiesusa.org · www.familiesusa.org