Rep. Davis Issues Statement on Introduction of American Health Care Act

WASHINGTON, March 7 -- Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Ill., issued the following statement on Introduction of American Health Care Act:

"After four years of watching premiums more than double, deductibles skyrocket, choices dwindle for my constituents under Obamacare, I am proud to be part of a responsible health care solution to lower costs and increase options for individuals and families. This bill keeps our promise of not just repealing and replacing Obamacare, but doing it without pulling the rug out from under millions of Americans whose health care was significantly changed by Obamacare.

"Under this plan, pre-existing conditions are protected, young adults under the age of 26 can remain on their parents' insurance, and those who currently qualify for Medicaid will remain covered unless their economic situation improves. We also help those who were left behind by Obamacare: middle-class Americans who were forced to buy insurance with costly premiums and deductibles but didn't qualify for subsidies. Our plan also makes several changes that will lower overall costs so these tax credits go further for families and individuals.

"It's been my experience that when people on the far sides of both parties are unhappy, then you usually know you're doing something right. Some members, from both parties, may not want to face the mess that Obamacare has created and what is required to clean it up, but we made a promise to the American people to responsibly fix our health care system and that's what this bill does."

The American Health Care Act (AHCA) is scheduled to be considered by the Energy and Commerce Committee and Ways and Means Committee tomorrow. Full text of the AHCA can be found at readthebill.gop.

Highlights of the bill include:

* Protects pre-existing conditions. Prevents insurance companies from discriminating against people with pre-existing health conditions. This language is the same as Davis' bill to protect people with pre-existing conditions.

* Helps low- and middle-income Americans, including the elderly. Provides monthly, portable tax credits - between $2,000 and $14,000 a year based on age and income. These will be for low-and middle-income families and individuals, many of whom saw costs increase under Obamacare and did not qualify for subsidies. Additionally, it enhances Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).

* Creates the Patient and State Stability Fund. This fund can be used by states for high-risks pools, to reduce out-of-pocket costs for individuals, and increase accessibility - whatever is best to help the most vulnerable in that particular state.

* Repeals the individual and employer mandate. Obamacare forced Americans to buy a product, in many cases, they could not afford and put regulations on businesses that made it more difficult for them to create jobs.

* Does not pull the rug out from anyone, including Medicaid recipients. Allows those who are part of the Medicaid expansion to continue to have coverage unless their economic situation improves and then lets states create programs that will best help their most vulnerable.

* Allows young adults to remain on parents' insurance. Requires insurance companies to allow young adults to stay on their parents' insurance until age 26.

* Repeals taxes on the medical community which have increased costs. Repeals taxes on prescription drugs, medical devices, and health insurance plans.

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