Washington, DC – DNC Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement in recognition of the 5th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act:

“Today we celebrate five years since President Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act into law.

“Republicans in Congress have voted more than fifty times to repeal or undermine this critical law. Meanwhile, potential GOP 2016 candidates – including Scott Walker, Marco Rubio, Rand Paul, and Ted Cruz – have cited repeal among their top agenda items in office. Chris Christie called the law a “failure” and Jeb Bush has said that it “doesn’t work.” Yet despite all the warnings of imminent catastrophe, it is abundantly clear: the Affordable Care Act is working.

“Under the law, more than 16 million Americans have gained health insurance, including young adults who can stay on their parents’ insurance and Americans no longer denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition. Seniors and people with disabilities have saved billions on prescription drugs, and consumers have benefitted from free preventive care and rules requiring insurance companies to spend at least 80 cents of every dollar on actual care. Importantly, health care spending is growing at its slowest rate in 50 years.

“Eight in ten consumers can now find a coverage plan for $100 or less per month after tax credits, and more than 11 million additional Americans were covered under Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program than before ACA open enrollment. But millions more could have access in states that have refused to expand Medicaid, and a conservative decision by the Supreme Court in King v. Burwell could jeopardize subsidies for millions of Americans.

“Access to quality, affordable health care is one of the cornerstones of a middle class life, and Democrats are proud to have helped bring that dream within reach for more Americans. While Republicans insist on pursuing policies that would take health insurance away from millions, Democrats will continue to stand for expanded access for middle class families and those still fighting to get there.”