Rep. Finkenauer Issues Statement on Trump Administration’s Attempt to Undermine Affordable Care Act

WASHINGTON, March 26 -- Rep. Abby Finkenauer, D-Iowa, issued the following statement in response to the Trump administration's attempt to undermine the Affordable Care Act:

"The Trump Administration's decision to not defend the Affordable Care Act is an attack on the millions of Americans and their families who are one medical emergency away from bankruptcy.

"Instead of improving the Affordable Care Act by expanding tax credits for middle class families' health insurance and providing states with the flexibility to innovate and improve coverage, this Administration is making health care more expensive and undermining protections for people with pre-existing conditions.

"The result? Bigger profits for insurance executives, higher costs for everyone, and more uncertainty for Iowans living with high cholesterol, diabetes, and other pre-existing conditions.

"And, that comes after it called for over $800 billion in cuts to Medicare. We need to improve Medicare for our seniors, lower the cost of prescription drugs, and protect coverage for Iowans with pre-existing conditions."

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The Trump Administration announced on Monday evening that it would not defend any part of the Affordable Care Act after a Texas judge ruled it was unconstitutional. It follows the Administration's proposed $845 billion in cuts to Medicare and $241 billion in cuts to Medicaid.