REALITY CHECK: CBO score based on old data

WASHINGTON - Much of the current debate on the American Health Care Act and Better Care Reconciliation Act focuses on a Congressional Budget Office (CBO) score showing 22 million more Americans without health coverage by 2026.

However, a new analysis by Forbes contributor Josh Archambault reveals a surprising omission.

"The House and Senate were given a CBO score based on old numbers," said Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09). "The CBO score is based on an inaccurate 2016 estimate of how many Americans will purchase Obamacare. If you use their January 2017 update, Republican legislation to repeal and replace Obamacare would result in only 2 million fewer on the individual market by 2026. Much of that loss can be attributed to Americans choosing other options, as is their right in a free market."

* Using CBO's 2017 update, Republican health care reform would result in only 2 million fewer Americans buying insurance on the individual market by 2026, not 7 million.

* The CBO score includes 5 million Americans losing "Medicaid expansion" coverage, even though they live in states which did not expand Medicaid.

"Let's remain focused on the facts. The CBO score is inflated, based on outdated data. Humana, Aetna, United Healthcare, and Blue Cross have all exited Obamacare markets. In North Carolina, premiums have increased 176% since 2013. Nationwide, it's over 100%. Constituents tell me of deductibles so high the insurance is practically worthless. Maintaining the status quo is not acceptable.

"Republicans are working to rescue America's broken health care system. We want a health care system for America, based on freedom of choice, not Washington mandates or Soviet-style controls. Our plan will lower costs and allow you to purchase the coverage that works best for your family."

Read this original document at: https://pittenger.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reality-check-cbo-score-based-on-old-data