Thursday, June 28

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico’s Third District released the following statement today on the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Affordable Care Act.

“For too long, families and small businesses in New Mexico have seen their health care costs skyrocket as they continue to pay more and receive less.  The ranks of the uninsured grew while insurance companies continued to deny or drop coverage for those who needed it most.  That is why President Obama and Democrats in Congress took to action to pass health insurance reform that ends the insurance companies worst abuses, expands coverage, and takes steps to bring down costs for hard-working New Mexicans.

“Today’s decision by the Supreme Court to uphold the law is an important victory for the people of New Mexico.  Young adults will be able to remain on their parents’ insurance plan, those with pre-existing conditions will be assured that they will have health insurance, and seniors will continue to pay less for prescription drugs and receive free preventive care.

“It is now abundantly clear that the Affordable Care Act is the law of the land and that the people of New Mexico will continue to benefit from its many important provisions.”

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How the Affordable Care Act Has Already Impacted New Mexico

• 26,000 young adults gained insurance coverage as a result of the health care law.

• 19,957 Medicare recipients received a $250 rebate to help cover the cost of prescription drugs when they hit the donut hole.

• Medicare recipients have saved $17,600,000 on their prescription drugs.

• 194,287 Medicare recipients received free preventive services or a free annual wellness visit with their doctor.

• New Mexico health centers have received $59.3 million to create new health center sites in medically underserved areas, to increase the number of patients served, and to expand preventive and primary health care services.

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