Amendment Process Is Opportunity for Congress to Keep Its Promise to Repeal Obamacare

ARLINGTON, Va., March 17 -- Freedom Partners, a nonprofit 501(c)(6) organization, issued the following news release:

Congress and the White House have reportedly reached agreement on a handful of amendments to be offered to the House's Obamacare replacement bill, the American Health Care Act (AHCA).

In its current form, the legislation enshrines Obamacare's flawed foundation by maintaining the law's costly insurance mandates and taxes, and doling out hundreds of billions of dollars in new subsidies. The insurance mandates will continue to drive up prices and decrease the number of choices available to consumers, while the new subsidies will do nothing but keep prices artificially high.

The amendments reportedly being considered include options for states to receive Medicaid block grants and to implement work requirements for able-bodied Medicaid recipients, as well as a provision preventing states that have not expanded their Medicaid programs from doing so until current federal expansion funds are phased out.

Freedom Partners Vice President of Policy Nathan Nascimento issued the following statement:

"The goal of this reconciliation effort must be to fully repeal Obamacare and make reforms that lower premiums. Creating a new entitlement, enshrining Obamacare's insurance mandates and taxes, and failing to immediately repeal Medicaid expansion will only lead to higher premiums and less access to quality care - especially for the least fortunate.

"We're encouraged that Congress and the White House are open to changes and we agree with the need to reform Medicaid to make it stronger for those who need it most, but more must be done. Congress must keep its promise to fully repeal Obamacare, and we look forward to working with lawmakers on changes that will truly make health insurance more affordable."

09J-Vista-5808719 09J-Vista