Dems critique GOP health bill in Lima

June 21--LIMA -- Ohio Democrats are voicing concerns over a perceived lack of transparency among U.S. Senate Republicans as they consider a bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare.

According to the Associated Press, Senate Republicans have been holding closed door sessions to work on the bill, a move that Ohio Democratic Party Chairman David Pepper criticized during a visit to Lima Tuesday.

"We are seeing, in secret, Senate Republicans, including Ohio's own Rob Portman, drafting a bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act behind closed doors," he said, speaking outside St. Rita's Medical Center. "We have a sense of what they're talking about, but right now, the lobbyists know a lot more than the voters about what's happening."

Pepper called for Ohio residents to contact Portman's office to demand that open hearings be held during the drafting of this bill. One of the reasons this has not been done, he said, is "because the content of the negotiations is so damaging to so many people." Pepper pointed to such proposals as rolling back Medicaid expansion, which he said would take needed services away from those dealing with opioid addictions. He also cited Ohio Hospital Association President and CEO Michael Abrams, who said that as many as 25 percent of Ohio hospitals could be at risk of closure under current proposals.

Portman's press secretary, Emily Benevides, said that Portman, who has expressed disappointment over the process not going through the hearings process, is already aware of concerns over the bill as passed by the House and is working to ensure that those most at risk still receive care.

"Rob is working to ensure that those on expanded Medicaid continue to have good health care options under a new system, whether it's under the current Medicaid structure or affordable health care options on the private market," she said. "He is working with his colleagues to provide governors with a dedicated new funding stream to ensure those receiving opioid treatment under expanded Medicaid will continue to receive treatment as they work to get back on their feet."

Andrew Mackey, who is running for Ohio's 5th Congressional District and has Parkinson's Disease, voiced concerns over the loss of the Affordable Care Act, saying it puts people like him with pre-existing conditions at greater risk.

"I'm thankful to have the opportunity to do what I love and work with people, and the Affordable Care Act makes that happen," he said.

Reach Craig Kelly at 567-242-0390 or on Twitter @Lima_CKelly.

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