Brooklyn, N.Y. – Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke announced today that cost increases in health care are the lowest increases on record, in part as a result of the Affordable Care Act.

A report from the Council of Economic Advisors determined that since 2010, when the Affordable Care Act was signed into law by President Obama, health care costs have increased by only 1.3 percent each year, substantially less than previous increases in costs.

“A lower rate of increase in health care costs will substantially reduce burdens on families and businesses,” said Congresswoman Clarke. “I voted for the Affordable Care Act, and I continue to support the implementation of the law, because I believe that we must reduce the cost of health care in the United States, even as we improve the quality of health care and expand access. This report demonstrates that we have the ability to protect the health of families and children and afford to provide for our other priorities.”

The report also indicated that these lower cost increases could potentially reduce our deficit by $100 billion each year in the next decade, and reduce the average amount spent on health care for each person by $1,400.

Both individuals and small businesses interested in purchasing affordable health insurance should visit www.nystateof health.ny.gov for additional information.

U.S. Representative Yvette D. Clarke is a member of the House Committee on Small Business, Ethics, and Homeland Security, where she is the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies. She represents many neighborhoods in central and southern Brooklyn, NY which include Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Flatbush, Gerritsen Beach, Madison, Midwood, parts of Park Slope and Flatlands, Prospect Heights, Prospect-Lefferts Gardens, Sheepshead Bay, and Windsor Terrace.