Republicans Plotting To Destroy Obamacare Despite Record Enrollment: Ami Bera

India-West Staff Reporter

WASHINGTON, DC – In a recent op-ed published in the Sacramento Bee, Democratic Congressman Ami Bera, who is also a physician, underscored the critical importance of accessible and affordable health care for all Americans. Bera highlighted the significance of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also popularly known as Obamacare, in providing essential coverage, particularly noting the record-breaking enrollment of 21.3 million individuals, including nearly 1.8 million Californians, in 2024 health plans through ACA marketplaces like Covered California.

Bera, in his March 29 piece, praised President Joe Biden’s efforts, emphasizing how millions of Americans now benefit from quality health care at minimal costs due to the ACA. He pointed out that 80% of enrollees found coverage for $10 or less per month, made possible by the President’s Inflation Reduction Act, which reduced health care premiums. Additionally, Bera commended the Biden administration’s investments in outreach and education, particularly targeting underserved communities such as ethnic minorities.

The congressman, who Bera represents California’s sixth congressional district, encompassing Sacramento County, reflected on the significant progress made since the ACA’s enactment, highlighting that only 6% of Sacramentans under 65 lack health insurance compared to over 20% previously.

However, he cautioned against potential threats to this progress, noting Republican vows to terminate the ACA if they gain control of Congress and the White House in 2025. Bera outlined the dire consequences of repealing the ACA, including over 40 million Americans losing affordable coverage and over 135 million Americans with pre-existing conditions, including over 6 million Californians, losing critical protections. He also warned of the impacts on Medi-Cal expansion and increased prescription drug costs for seniors.

Criticizing Republican attempts to repeal key measures of the Inflation Reduction Act, which lowered premium and prescription drug costs, he highlighted the act’s positive effects, such as capping insulin costs for seniors at $35 per month, benefiting many Sacramento County residents with diabetes.

making cost-saving provisions permanent, asserting that families should not have to choose between essential needs and medical care.

He called attention to the divergent paths regarding health care, with Democrats focused on lowering costs and ensuring access while Republicans aim to roll back progress. Bera concluded that the record-breaking ACA enrollment underscores Californians’ need for prioritized health care and reduced costs.