The federal health reform law known as Obamacare cleared its second major obstacle with President Obama’s re-election Tuesday, and the law’s boosters were quick to declare victory.
“Finally, it’s safe to say that Obamacare is here to stay,” Ethan Rome, executive director of Health Care for America Now, said in a statement.
He added that the election signaled an “end to this 100-year debate once and for all.”
“It’s time for opponents of health care to accept this law so Washington can move on to other pressing issues like creating jobs,” Rome said.
“The election has settled key issues about the directions that our nation’s health care will take: It means that ObamaCare will be implemented, the Medicaid safety net will be strengthened, and Medicare’s guaranteed benefits will not be undermined,” Ron Pollack, executive director of the liberal group Families USA said in a statement.
“As a result, people across America will gain peace of mind knowing that high-quality, affordable health care will be there for themselves and their loved ones,” he said.
But Pollack also pointed to challenges ahead: Enrolling millions of uninsured people in health insurance, having states expand their Medicaid programs, and making the health care system more efficient and effective.
The trade group America’s Health Insurance Plans, meanwhile, offered Obama congratulations and emphasized the need to address costs as the law is implemented.
“Several provisions in the law, such as the new premium tax, minimum coverage requirements, and age rating restrictions, need to be addressed to keep coverage as affordable as possible and ensure broad participation in the system,” President and CEO Karen Ignagni said in a statement.
“The nation must also address the soaring cost of medical care that is driving up the cost of coverage, taking up a greater share of federal and state budgets, and threatening the long-term solvency of our nation’s public safety net programs. Health plans will continue to do their part by partnering with providers to reward quality care, promoting prevention and wellness, and helping patients and physicians manage chronic disease.”