Hoyer Statement on President Trump’s Threat to Sabotage the Affordable Care Act

Office of the Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer

April 13, 2017

Contact: Mariel Saez 202-225-3130

Hoyer Statement on President Trump's Threat to Sabotage the Affordable Care Act

WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today regarding President Trump's comments that he may sabotage the Affordable Care Act by refusing to pay cost-sharing subsidies:

"President Trump was right when he declared that 'the longer I'm behind this desk and you have Obamacare, the more I would own it.' He must stop trying to sabotage the Affordable Care Act and instead commit to continuing subsidy payments, or else the American people will know who to blame when their health care is harmed.

"Millions of Americans benefit from cost-sharing subsidies provided under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to reduce reduce out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles and co-pays, that rendered health care services unaffordable for many families in the private market prior to the law's passage. Terminating these payments could result in premium increases, coverage losses, and fewer plan options for marketplace-enrolled consumers at all income levels.

"Sabotaging the ACA through executive actions only hurts the Americans and their families that the President has pledged to help. Doing it for short-term political ends would be wildly irresponsible. The American people will not be held hostage to Republicans' partisan agenda, and Democrats will continue to stand up for the Affordable Care Act and access to quality, affordable care for all Americans."