Speak Up for Kids: Why the Affordable Care Act Matters

March 23, 2012 marked the second anniversary of the signing of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), we are encouraged that millions of children have already benefitted from this historic health reform law. And, millions more will be helped as additional benefits take effect in 2014.

As a result of the ACA:

• Children with pre-existing conditions, such as asthma, can not be denied coverage by health insurance companies and lifetime limits can not be placed on the benefits that would cover these types of conditions. 
• Co-pays for preventive services have been removed.
• Children are covered by their parents’ health plans until they turn 26.

And there are many more benefits to come starting in 2014.  Once fully implemented, over 5 million children ages 18 and under will gain insurance as a result of the ACA. And not only uninsured children will benefit. Millions of already insured children will have increased access to care and better quality of care. Click here to read about how the ACA will benefit kids.

But next week and over the coming months, all of this could change. 

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments challenging the constitutionality of the ACA, and by June, will hand down decisions that could affect the lives of millions of children. In addition, some Members of Congress are using the Court’s proceedings to try and gain momentum in Congress to repeal the ACA.

Now is the time to speak up and add your support for keeping the Affordable Care Act in place and to fight back against attempts in Congress to weaken it.

Write to your local lawmaker and help ensure that every child in America has the opportunity for a healthy start in life.