Affordable Care Act Turns Two, showing #healthcareworks

In a Huffington Post article, US Representative Charles Rangel says, “Rather than trying to repeal the healthcare law that that has bettered the lives of Americans, Republicans should join Democrats in finding ways to expand it so that no American is without access to affordable healthcare.” Universal Healthcare was a dream of President Franklin Roosevelt based on The Bill of Rights, which included the right to LIFE, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. Without adequate healthcare, we deny people the right to Life. Are you for that — denying people a right to Life?

Here’s a video from the article, followed by a video transcript that I captured for blind visitors using screen reader technology.

Video Transcript – The Affordable Care Act Turns Two!

• The story of healthcare reform actually begins in 1912, when Republican President Theodore Roosevelt first attempted to pass a universal healthcare bill.
• His Square Deal would have guaranteed medical coverage to all Americans.
• In 1935 President Franklin D. Roosevelt fought for healthcare as part of the New Deal.
• Throughout his Presidency he called healthcare a right of all Americans.
• For more than half a century, the American people sought this right.  We could wait no longer.
• … images of articles & protests and video from House floor …
• On March 23, 2010, that right was achieved.
• … video of Obama signing the Affordable Care Act …
• Millions of Americans now have access to better and more affordable healthcare benefits.
• Why do Republicans want to repeal these benefits from so many Americans?
• 360,000 small businesses have received Tax Credit to help them afford health insurance for 2 million workers in 2011.
• 2.3 million seniors have received an Annual Wellness Visit.
• 2.5 million additional young adults have been able to stay on their parents’ plan.
• 3.6 million seniors are receiving a 50% discount on prescription drugs.
• 17 million children with pre-existing conditions can no longer be denied healthcare.
• 22 million seniors have received one or more preventive services.
• 86 million Americans have received one or more preventive services, such as check-ups and cancer screenings.
• 105 million Americans have had a lifetime limit on their coverage eliminated.
• … video from house floor …
• Opponents claimed that the health care law would kill jobs, but that has not been the case…
• 3.5 million jobs have been created since the healthcare law has been enacted.
• … graph shows private industry jobs on up-tick since the Affordable Care Act passed …
• Thanks to the Affordable Care Act…
• If you’re a woman you will no longer be charged higher premiums than men for the same coverage.
• You can no longer be dropped from your insurance company for being sick.
• You no longer have a life time limit on your coverage.
• You are now protected from how much out-of-pocket costs in your plan.
• Most importantly, remember these three things…
• 1. If you have a pre-existing condition you can no longer be denied healthcare.
• If you’re under 26 you are now covered on your parents’ health insurance while you look for a job.
• Under your new plan you are receiving free preventative services such as HIV testing, cancer screening and contraception.
• Republicans call it “ObamaCare” and Democrats call it the Affordable Care Act…
• Whatever you call it… #healthcareworks.