Hoyer Statement on the 2018 Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment Period
Press Types
Press Release
For Immediate Release:
December 21, 2017
Contact Info:
Mariel Saez 202-225-3130
WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today on reports that 8.8 million Americans enrolled in health coverage through HealthCare.Gov during the 2018 open enrollment period:
“Even after the Trump Administration sabotaged the open-enrollment process by cutting the sign-up window in half, shutting down the website on certain days, and refusing to publicize availability of plans, 8.8 million Americans still signed up for health care coverage through HealthCare.Gov for next year. This demonstrates the success of the law and how it is working to meet the needs of consumers.
“For seven years, Republicans have been working to undermine the Affordable Care Act, going as far as to eliminate the individual mandate through their dangerous tax overhaul bill this week. However, their failure to repeal the law, even while controlling all the levers of government, shows how popular it has become and how instrumental it is in protecting patients and consumers while expanding access to quality, affordable health care. I have no doubt that more Americans would have been able to sign up for coverage in 2018 had it not been for the Trump Administration’s efforts to deter them, which were shameful.
“As we head into the new year, Republicans have a responsibility to work with Democrats to take action to stabilize our health insurance markets, which have been harmed by the uncertainty of years of Republican repeal efforts in Congress and Administration sabotage, and enact a long-term reauthorization of the Children’s Health Insurance Program. All Americans should have the opportunity to obtain quality, affordable coverage for themselves and their children.”
“Even after the Trump Administration sabotaged the open-enrollment process by cutting the sign-up window in half, shutting down the website on certain days, and refusing to publicize availability of plans, 8.8 million Americans still signed up for health care coverage through HealthCare.Gov for next year. This demonstrates the success of the law and how it is working to meet the needs of consumers.
“For seven years, Republicans have been working to undermine the Affordable Care Act, going as far as to eliminate the individual mandate through their dangerous tax overhaul bill this week. However, their failure to repeal the law, even while controlling all the levers of government, shows how popular it has become and how instrumental it is in protecting patients and consumers while expanding access to quality, affordable health care. I have no doubt that more Americans would have been able to sign up for coverage in 2018 had it not been for the Trump Administration’s efforts to deter them, which were shameful.
“As we head into the new year, Republicans have a responsibility to work with Democrats to take action to stabilize our health insurance markets, which have been harmed by the uncertainty of years of Republican repeal efforts in Congress and Administration sabotage, and enact a long-term reauthorization of the Children’s Health Insurance Program. All Americans should have the opportunity to obtain quality, affordable coverage for themselves and their children.”