President’s State of the Union Message Takes Place Less than One Year before Implementation of the Affordable Care Act

President Obama’s State of the Union message tonight occurs with less than 11 months to go before the Affordable Care Act is implemented, and less than eight months before enrollment in new health coverage options begins. The following is the “pre-act” statement of Ron Pollack, Executive Director of Families USA, about health care and the State of the Union:

“The state of the union will be considerably stronger in the year ahead when tens of millions of Americans, for once and for all, gain access to high-quality, affordable health coverage and care. With last year’s Supreme Court decision and the presidential election, it is clear that historic health reform will move ahead.

“This also means, however, that hard work lies ahead. The administration and the states must get ready for the first enrollment period, which begins in less than eight months. Enrollment-friendly systems must be put in place so that families are encouraged to get the health coverage they need.

“The federal government must also provide important fiscal assurances to states that are considering whether to opt in to health reform’s Medicaid expansion for low-income Americans. The upcoming federal budget decisions must therefore ensure that the generous federal funds that will be available for state Medicaid expansions are not reduced.

“Whether or not the President explicitly addresses these challenges in tonight’s speech, the months ahead will undoubtedly be spent preparing for the largest changes in our nation’s health care system in half a century. The success of those efforts will provide health security for families across the nation, further strengthening the state of our union.”

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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