Congresswoman Johnson Highlights New Report Showing 16.4 Million Americans Covered Under Affordable Care Act

Congresswoman Johnson highlighted that a new report shows that 16.4 million uninsured people have gained coverage since the Affordable Care Act was enacted in 2010.

"This new report continues to highlight the success of the Affordable Care Act- showing that more than 16 million uninsured Americans have been able to obtain quality, affordable coverage since the ACA became law nearly five years ago on March 23, 2010," said Congresswoman Johnson. 

Specifically, the 16.4 million Americans who have gained coverage include:

• 14.1 million adults who have gained health insurance coverage since the beginning of Open Enrollment under the Affordable Care Act in October 2013; and

• 2.3 million young adults who have gained coverage since the enactment  of ACA in 2010 due to the ACA provision allowing young adults to remain on a parent's plan until age 26.

Additionally, the new report shows that the ACA has made progress in addressing high uninsured rates in Latino and African American communities.  Since October 2013, the uninsured rates among these minority groups have dropped more dramatically than the rate among Whites:

• Among Latinos, the uninsured rate has dropped by 12.3 percentage points - resulting in 4.2 million gaining health coverage; and

• Among African Americans, the uninsured rate has dropped by 9.2 percentage points - resulting in 2.3 million obtaining coverage.

These reductions in uninsured rates are due to three key provisions in the ACA:  the availability of affordable insurance through Health Insurance Marketplaces, the expansion of Medicaid, and allowing young people (up to age 26) to stay on their parents' plans.

"When it comes to the key measures of affordability, access, and quality, evidence shows that the Affordable Care Act is working, and families, businesses, and taxpayers are better off as a result," concluded Congresswoman Johnson.