16 Years After the ACA, Democrats Continue the Fight for Affordable Health Care Arrow

On the 16th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), DNC Chair Ken Martin joined Democrats across the country in reaffirming the need to bring down health care costs, expand coverage, and defend the ACA against Republican attempts to roll back measures that have brought down costs and saved lives.

By refusing to extend the ACA premium tax credits at the end of 2025, Trump and Republicans have more than doubled health care costs for 22 million Americans this year. Two-thirds of Americans - including one-third of Trump's coalition - believe that Congress did the wrong thing by not extending these enhanced subsidies.

DNC Chair Ken Martin

"The Affordable Care Act was a monumental step forward in getting millions of people insured, but our work isn't finished. Democrats refuse to accept a status quo where Americans delay treatment or ration their prescriptions because they can't afford the skyrocketing health care costs caused by Donald Trump and Republicans. We will continue to treat health care as a right, not a privilege, and will fight to bring down costs and make sure that every American can access the care they deserve. At the same time, we will defend against Republican attempts to make Americans pay more for health care or repeal President Obama's signature law."

Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, M.D. (OR-03)

"Every American should be able to see a doctor they trust in the community they call home. Sixteen years ago, Democrats took a major step toward that goal by passing the Affordable Care Act - protecting people regardless of income or pre-existing conditions. Since then, Republicans have tried to dismantle our progress and refused to extend subsidies, driving up costs for more than 20 million Americans. Democrats won't back down in the fight for affordable health care for all."

Congresswoman Kelly Morrison, M.D. (MN-03)

"As a practicing OB/GYN for over 20 years, I have seen firsthand how the Affordable Care Act has helped people get covered and worked to combat the skyrocketing cost of care. Time and time again, we have seen Republicans attack the Affordable Care Act, including their recent refusal to extend the tax credits that saved families thousands of dollars a year. I will continue to fight to extend these tax credits and lower the cost of health care for all Americans."

Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06)

"As a doctor, I've seen firsthand how the Affordable Care Act has changed lives by helping patients get the care they need without going bankrupt. As we mark the 16th anniversary of the ACA, we should be building on this progress, not moving backward. But because President Trump and Congressional Republicans refused to extend ACA subsidies, millions of hardworking Americans are now paying higher premiums, with many priced out of coverage altogether. I'll keep fighting to protect and strengthen the ACA by restoring these subsidies, lowering costs, and making sure every American has access to affordable, quality health care."

Laura Packard, Founder of Health Care Voices and Voices of Health Care Action

"As a health care advocate and Stage 4 cancer survivor, I owe my life to the Affordable Care Act. Nine years ago, I had to fight cancer while also fighting for the health insurance that kept me alive. The day after my first chemotherapy appointment, Republicans in the U.S. House voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act. But we're still here. They did not succeed then, but they're still trying to gut this lifesaving law. The ACA is forever a part of my health care story, and I'll never stop fighting to protect it for every other American who needs affordable health care too."