Congresswoman Kathy Castor released the following statement regarding the vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act by the Republican-controlled U.S. House today:

Tampa Bay area families and businesses are already benefiting from the Affordable Care Act.

Like millions of Americans, as Tampa Bay area families and businesses cut through the political rhetoric and learn about the actual consumer protections and tax credits in the Act, they are embracing the reforms.

According to an analysis by the House Energy and Commerce Committee, repealing the Affordable Care Act would turn back the clock on the new protections for Tampa Bay area families:

* Allow insurance companies to deny coverage to patients with pre-existing conditions, impacting an estimated 390,000 to 990,000 people, including 28,000-130,000 children.

* Eliminate health care tax credits for up to 86,100 small businesses and nearly 1 million families.

* Increase prescription drug costs for 73,800 seniors and deny new preventative care benefits to 730,000 seniors.

* Eliminate new health care coverage options for 17,000 uninsured young adults.

* Increase the number of people without health insurance by 459,000.

The state of Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration already has accepted a $1 million grant to implement the health law. Medicare benefits have improved.  Universities and hospitals are implementing important reforms to benefit our neighbors.

The key is making the new law work, not spending time and energy on old political fights. Instead, the early days of the new Congress should be focused on creating jobs and improving the economy rather than a rehash of the health care political battle.

Several provisions of the Affordable Care Act are in effect now and making a difference in the lives of our neighbors, including:

* Health insurance companies are now required to spend 80 percent to 85 percent of premiums on health care and improvements to patients, not overhead or chief executive salaries. (Florida’s current medical loss ratio is 65 to 70 percent.)

* Seniors also are receiving annual preventive checkup without a co-pay to encourage wellness and save money. Some seniors also are receiving a 50 percent discount when buying brand-name medications.

* Children can no longer be denied coverage due to a pre-existing condition.

* Young adults up to age 26 can stay on their parents’ plans.

* Small businesses already are receiving tax benefits.

* Health insurance companies cannot rescind coverage when a patient gets sick. The companies also can no longer impose lifetime coverage caps on patients with chronic illnesses.

The Affordable Care Act outlawed some of the worst health insurance company abuses and instituted vital consumer protections. With the Affordable Care Act, all Americans will have affordable options, even upon changing jobs or if an employer does not offer health insurance. Health insurance companies can no longer discriminate against patients with pre-existing conditions, such as asthma and diabetes. Seniors can better afford their prescription drugs.

The Affordable Care Act gave consumers greater freedom and control over their personal health matters, rather than bureaucratic control by insurance companies.  Fortunately, the House vote has no chance of becoming law, so we can continue to improve the lives of all our neighbors.