On March 23, 2010, the healthcare bill 80 years in the making was signed into law.
Less than a year later, millions of American seniors, young adults, women, families and communities of color are already benefitting from the Affordable Care Act's much-needed consumer protections.
Such a momentous first anniversary definitely calls for a celebration, which is why each day this week, SEIU.org will feature stories, healthcare facts and videos that highlight how the healthcare law is helping SEIU members and all Americans move forward by ensuring access to quality, affordable care.
- Monday, March 21: Moving Forward, Protecting Communities of Color
→ Watch food service worker Gamaliel Andrade's story- Tuesday, March 22: Moving Forward, Protecting Seniors' Care
→ Watch homecare worker Traci Myers' story.- Wednesday, March 23: Anniversary / Protecting Patients' Rights
→ Happy Birthday, Affordable Care Act!- Thursday, March 24: Moving Forward, Protecting Women's Care
- Friday, March 25: Moving Forward, Protecting Young Adults' Care
Today's focus is on how the law works to reduce healthcare disparities and improve healthcare services within communities of color.
SEIU is also joining supporters from grassroots organizations to organize and participate in more than 75 rallies, birthday parties, news conferences and educational forums in 38 states across the country. Here are just a few of the many activities taking place this week, many featuring members of Congress, state legislative leaders and SEIU members who have already been helped by the new law.
- Harrisburg, PA: While the Republican-led U.S. House Energy & Commerce Committee holds a field hearing nearby, working people will gather for a citizen's hearing to share how the new law is already helping them.
- Los Angeles, CA: A birthday celebration of the ACA at Cedars Sinai Medical Center with Rep. Waxman
- Albuquerque, NM: Doctors, community members and students will gather w/ with Senate Candidate Heinrich for a press conference about the ACA and how it has impacted them.
- Minneapolis, MN: Community forum with Rep. Keith Ellison that will include SEIU members sharing stories of how reform has helped them, as well as answering questions from the community about the ACA.
The ACA Anniversary activities are sponsored by HCAN, AFL-CIO, AARP, AFSCME, Americans United for Change, CAF, Community Catalyst, Doctors for America, Families USA, Herndon Alliance, Main Street Alliance, MomsRising, National Council on Aging, NPWF, NWLC, PICO, Progressives States Network, ProgressNow, Small Business Majority, UHCAN, USAction, U.S. PIRG, Vote Kids and Young Invincibles.
Visit our newly-redesigned healthcare resource hub on SEIU.org at http://www.seiu.org/the-healthcare-law/.
Learn how the Affordable Care Act affects you and your family
The healthcare law is benefitting millions of Americans. Share your story
Don't put Medicaid and Medicare back on the chopping block
