Energy, Commerce Committee Advances Legislation to Repeal, Replace Obamacare

WASHINGTON, March 9 -- Rep. Greg Walden, R-Ore., chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following news release:

The Energy and Commerce Committee today passed legislation as part of House Republican efforts to repeal and replace Obamacare. Earlier this week, the Energy and Commerce Committee and Ways and Means Committee introduced draft legislative recommendations that the Budget Committee will compile into one reconciliation package.

"Today, the House took a decisive step forward in fulfilling a promise to the American people that has been years in the making: repealing and replacing Obamacare with affordable, patient-centered reforms. After conducting an open and transparent markup, we are proud to put forth a plan that represents a Better Way for patients and families," said full committee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR).

"Under our plan, we preserve important provisions like protecting patients with pre-existing conditions while implementing important reforms to provide states with greater flexibility, lower cost for families, and greater choice for patients," continued Walden. "We're one step closer to helping American families across the country obtain and maintain affordable health care."

Specifically, the Energy and Commerce legislation:

Creates a Patient and State Stability Fund - This new and innovative fund give states broad flexibility to design programs that best serve their unique populations. They can also use funds to increase access to preventative services.

Responsibly unwinds Obamacare's Medicaid expansion - By freezing new enrollment at the end of 2019 and grandfathering in current enrollees, we protect patients and offer a stable transition.

Strengthens Medicaid - Using a per capita allotment, our legislation ensures a fair funding formula for states while creating a viable financial future for the program.

For a section-by-section of the Energy and Commerce legislation, click here: https://energycommerce.house.gov/sites/republicans.energycommerce.house.gov/files/documents/Section-by-Section%20Summary_Final_.pdf

For a Majority Memorandum, archived webcast, and list of amendments, click here: https://energycommerce.house.gov/hearings-and-votes/markups/markup-committee-print-and-h-res-154

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