Independent Women’s Voice Issues Statement on Senate Health Bill Benefits

WASHINGTON, June 22 -- Independent Women's Voice issued the following statement by President and CEO Heather R. Higgins after the Senate unveiled its health reform bill:

"Since the Affordable Care Act passed, conservative lawmakers have promised to repeal the misguided law that has resulted in cancelled policies, limited choice, higher costs, and restricted access to care for many Americans. Through the years, we have seen insurers respond to the burdensome regulations in the law by exiting the exchanges altogether. This puts the coverage of even more Americans in jeopardy. Something must be done.

"Today the U.S. Senate took an important step by revealing its health reform bill. We applaud the bill's benefits to patients and consumers: It would give states some flexibility to escape restrictive federal rules that have limited choices in insurance plans. It reforms Medicaid to focus the program on serving those who need it most. It offers tax relief and expands consumer freedom to use Health Savings Accounts.

"Still, lawmakers could do more to offer greater choices, foster stronger market competition, and lower costs. Our hope is that the end result of health reform efforts will be a bill on President Trump's desk that effectively repeals the harmful ACA regulations, mandates, and taxes. Passing a bill through the House and Senate in this budget reconciliation process is just a start; it is phase one of a three phase process that will also include administrative action and further legislation to create a health policy that works for everyone."

"Since the Affordable Care Act passed, many conservative lawmakers, including Sen. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Sen. Ted Cruz, Sen. Mike Lee, Sen. Deb Fischer, Sen. Tom Cotton, Sen. Cory Gardner, Sen. Orrin Hatch, and Sen. Marco Rubio have signed IWV's ObamaCare Repeal Pledge promising to undo the ACA. Karen Handel in Georgia's 6th District signed the Repeal Pledge and won her special election on Tuesday."

For more information about the pledge please visit TheRepealPledge.com.