The Hill News

This interview was recorded with Secretary Sebelius after the House voted in favor of repeal.

The Hill: Madam Secretary thank you for joining us. Do you think that public opinion on the law is turning?

Secretary: What we’re at least hearing around the country is as families begin to take advantage of the benefits that the new law creates for them they are pretty enthusiastic about what’s happening.  So I heard from a lot of parents who now have their adult children on their health plan and they tell me over and over again what a difference it makes. We heard from small businesses owners who in doing their taxes this year realize they are getting a 30-35% tax credit for the employee insurance that actually allows them to keep and retain their best employees and they are pretty excited about that so you know.  Seniors are beginning to understand that this year they get a wellness checkup as part of their guaranteed Medicare benefits or have a ! 50% discount coming their way for prescription drugs in the donut hole and I think as people start to connect with those benefits they are more enthusiastic about the affordable care act.  It’s not just some law that Congress passed but it really impacts them and their families in a very positive way.

The Hill: When the law was being debated why was there never a simple message like “hope and change” or something that people could really latch onto?

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