I thank the Chairman for holding this hearing on the Internal Revenue Service. I am pleased to have the Commissioner before us today. I am also pleased to discuss our landmark health care reform law, which will expand health coverage to 27 million Americans.
This is a key year for the agency and the Affordable Care Act. This is the year the health care reform law is being put into operation. The IRS will play an important role as it helps to deliver hundreds of billions of dollars in premium tax credits to American families next year.
Before we hear from the Acting Commissioner, it is important to review the many benefits of the Affordable Care Act that have been delivered so far. The Act has helped millions of American families and children.
For example, the health care reform law has protected over 17 million children with pre-existing conditions. These children can no longer be denied health coverage. In addition, there are almost seven million young adults who now have health insurance until age 26. Further, the law has helped more than four million seniors receive free Annual Wellness Visits under Medicare. These are only a few of the many benefits received to date.
I am confident that the Affordable Care Act will be carried out on schedule. Today, I look forward to learning where we are in the process and understanding more about the agency’s budget request.
Acting Commissioner Miller, I would like to thank you, your staff, and the agency’s employees for their hard work on the health care reform law. We need to continue to move with all deliberate speed to make sure that tens of millions of Americans receive the health care they deserve.
Thank you.
