HEARING // The Effectiveness of the ACA’s Individual Mandate

House Ways and Means Committee Republicans

Buchanan Announces Hearing on the Effectiveness of the Affordable Care Act's Individual Mandate

January 17, 2017

EMILY SCHILLINGER LAUREN ARONSON (202) 226-4774

WASHINGTON, D.C. - House Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee Chairman Vern Buchanan (R-FL) today announced that the Subcommittee will hold a hearing entitled "Examining the Effectiveness of the Individual Mandate under the Affordable Care Act" on Tuesday, January 24, at 2:00 PM in room 1100 of the Longworth House Office Building. The hearing will focus on how the underpinning of the Affordable Care Act, the individual mandate, has failed to stabilize health insurance markets.

Upon announcing the hearing, Chairman Buchanan said:

"When I talk with people in my district and across the country, it's abundantly clear the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate is not working as promised. The law's supporters hoped forcing people to buy insurance would increase enrollment numbers and drive down costs. Nearly seven years later, exchanges still have not reached the number of predicted enrollees and premiums continue to skyrocket. Insurers are pulling out of the marketplace in record numbers, leaving less choice and, in some states, only one 'choice.' Americans deserve better. I look forward to discussing how best to repeal this harmful mandate and developing solutions that truly deliver access to affordable care."