Five years old. My how you’ve grown.
I remember when you were only a glimmer in the eyes of those of us who wanted to make sure that health insurance was affordable for every citizen in this country.
And then it was such a fight to make sure you were successfully born with a chance to survive.
That was quite a struggle. There were so many people and special interests that didn’t want you to see the light of day because they were afraid of how successful you would be. So many good people sacrificed their political lives for you. But they have no regrets.
And even after you were here and starting to do what we hoped you would, your enemies still tried to take your life. “REPEAL AND REPLACE” they have screamed for 5 years.
Well, they haven’t been able to stop you yet, and goodness knows they’ve tried. Over and over and over again.
But they have convinced a lot of American’s that you are a bad seed.
Don’t worry. That’s the same thing that happened at first to your cousins Social Security and Medicare. Just give the public some more time and they’ll see how special you really are.
And that “REPLACE”. Ha, ha, ha. Your enemies have been trying to conceive for 5 years. It’s clear they are infertile.
We are so proud of you and your accomplishments.
- About 16.4 million more citizens now have private health insurance because of you. Most of them were uninsured before. That means that the percent of adults that don’t have health insurance is now only 13.2%, that’s a 20% drop in just two years and the lowest it’s ever been.
- Another 11 million more low income adults and children now have health insurance through Medicaid thanks to you. That’s about a 19% increase from before you were born.
- Seniors on Medicare are saving big on their medication costs.
- People with pre-existing health problems now can get affordable health insurance.
- Policy holders are actually getting refunds from the insurance companies.
- Many small business owners are receiving tax credits for the first time to provide health insurance to employees.
- Heatlhcare costs used to rise at a rate much higher than inflation, now the rates are the same.
- Premiums for businesses are growing at their lowest level ever.
I could go on but it’s time to blow out the candles on your cake. Just know that we are going to make sure you are around for another 5, 15, 25, 50 years and more.
Oh, there willl still be some bumps in the road along the way. But you’re here to stay.
Happy Birthday!