On the recordJanuary 18, 2011
Today, millions of Americans have more freedom to choose and control their health care as a result of the Affordable Care Act. In my congressional district, nearly 40 percent of my constituents were uninsured. Thousands more were underinsured and living on the brink of financial disaster when facing a serious illness or accident. With health care reform, positive change is taking place for them and for individuals, families, and small businesses throughout the country. Young adults are grateful they can remain on their parents' insurance until age 26; seniors living in fear of not being able to afford their medications are thankful for discounts on brand-name drugs when reaching the doughnut hole; families with preexisting conditions are comforted by the new high-risk insurance pool; and those facing serious illness are relieved their insurers can no longer drop them when they need coverage the most. Small businesses, which abound in my district and which are a mainstay in our Latino and minority communities, can take advantage of tax credits to offer health insurance to their employees.
