Obama and Biden reflect on the success of the ACA as they mark its 12th year, while also addressing challenges faced during its passage.
On April 5, 2022, former President Barack Obama returned to the White House to celebrate the 12th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). In a speech full of warmth and camaraderie, Obama fondly remembered his partnership with Joe Biden, praising their work together on key reforms.
Obama joked with Biden, recalling their shared moments in office, including Biden’s love for aviator sunglasses and Baskin Robbins. He expressed his deep pride in their collective efforts, particularly in the passage of the ACA, which provided millions of Americans with better healthcare coverage.
“The ACA was something that made me prouder than anything else,” Obama said, discussing the difficulties they faced in securing its passage despite a challenging political climate. He acknowledged the opposition from many Republicans but emphasized their determination, fueled by personal stories from families touched by illness. “I intended to get healthcare passed even if it cost me reelection,” Obama confessed, referencing the fierce opposition they faced during the law’s creation.
Biden joined Obama onstage, reflecting on their eight years of teamwork and the lasting impact of the ACA, which has since become a defining achievement of their presidency. Obama’s return to the White House underscored not only the success of the ACA but also the strong bond between the two leaders who shaped American healthcare policy.
