FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 3, 2020
CONTACT:
Jana Plat
jplat@businessfwd.org
(202) 861-1270
Washington, DC — Today, Business Forward issued a new report explaining how the Affordable Care Act (ACA) helps the 180 million Americans with private insurance – and what “repeal and replace bills” could cost them. While most commentary focuses on the number previously uninsured Americans the ACA now covers, The Business Case for Obamacare examines how the ACA has reduced costs for small businesses, increased worker mobility and productivity, and invested in preventative care that will reduce the long-term cost of chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease. The report also explains how the ACA could also provide critical coverage for the 27 million other Americans at risk of losing employer-sponsored insurance due to Covid-19 layoffs.
“The Affordable Care Act is working,” said Jim Doyle, President of Business Forward. “It’s part of the safety net we need as millions of Americans lose their employer-sponsored insurance.”
The report also highlights the serious risks associated with repealing the ACA. Already, Republicans have voted to repeal Obamacare more than 70 times. If successful, Republicans could strip 23 million Americans of their health coverage.
Business Forward’s report reflects the input from thousands of local business leaders speaking at its briefings, responding to its surveys, and offering testimony for government hearings. These leaders often focus on how the ACA reduces premiums and risk for small businesses, or how it encourages entrepreneurism by helping people switch jobs or start their own businesses.
ABOUT BUSINESS FORWARD
With the help of more than 60 of America’s most respected companies, Business Forward is making it easier for more than 100,000 business leaders from across America to advise Washington on how to create jobs and accelerate our economy. Business Forward is active in over 125 cities and has worked with more than 650 mayors, governors, members of Congress, and senior Administration officials.
Business leaders who have participated in our briefings have seen their suggestions implemented in the Affordable Care Act, the JOBS Act, the Clean Power Plan, the Toxic Substances Control Act, presidential budgets, and three trade agreements. Many have also shared their recommendations with their representatives in Congress and through phone calls, op-eds, and interviews with local media. Ninety-eight out of 100 business leaders who have participated in a Business Forward briefing would be interested in participating in another one.