Congresswoman Lawrence on Republican’s Plan to Replace the ACA

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Brenda Lawrence (MI-14) today released a statement regarding the new Republican plan to replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA):

"Last night, House Republicans finally unveiled their secret plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. Instead of providing Democrats, and even members of their own party, time to review the legislation, Republican leadership has begun the process of ramming this severely flawed legislation through the U.S. House of Representatives.

"One of the greatest objectives of the Affordable Care Act was to insure as many Americans as possible, which led to over 20 million individuals receiving comprehensive insurance coverage. The ACA pushed the uninsured rate to a record low of 8.6%. The Republican's plan punishes those who have a gap in insurance coverage by imposing a 30% increase in premiums which can greatly contribute to more Americans being uninsured.

"Another pillar of the Affordable Care Act was allowing states, like Michigan, to expand Medicaid coverage to millions of people. Instead of supporting healthcare coverage for more people, Republicans have decided to stop Medicaid expansion after 2020 and limit the funds that states could receive. Under this new plan, states like Michigan will have less options to support people who rely on Medicaid as their only source of health insurance.

"Republicans are using the repeal and replace legislation to once again target women's health by defunding Planned Parenthood. No matter how many times it is explained, Republicans do not seem to understand that federal money does not pay for abortions. Planned Parenthood provides a variety of preventative care, including contraception and cancer screenings to millions of Americans. Instead of allowing Planned Parenthood to continue their important mission of providing women across the country with quality healthcare and coverage, Republicans have decided to jeopardize the health of millions of Americans because of a blatantly partisan witch hunt.

"This new Republican healthcare plan is dangerous. The health and welfare of millions of Americans are at stake. After nearly 7 years of complaining about the Affordable Care Act, Republicans have introduced a plan that would cover less people and kick millions off their current plan. I cannot, and will not, support a replacement plan that makes America sick again and prevents millions of Americans from gaining access to comprehensive health insurance."

Read this original document at: https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-lawrence-republican-s-plan-replace-aca