Rep. Pittenger Co-Sponsors Legislation to Strip ‘Congresional Obamacare Exemption’

WASHINGTON, April 27 -- Rep. Robert Pittenger, R-N.C., issued the following news release:

This afternoon, Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) helped introduce legislation to eliminate the "Congressional Obamacare Exemption" included in the current draft of the American Health Care Act.

The current draft proposal to repeal and replace Obamacare allows states to apply for waivers of provisions related to essential health benefits and pre-existing conditions. Due to Senate rules, Congressional health plans are currently excluded from the waiver.

"We don't yet have a final version of the American Health Care Act, and we are working to remove the exemption before passage," said Congressman Pittenger. "If Senate rules prevent us, then I've already co-sponsored and introduced separate legislation to revoke it. Personally, I exited the Congressional health plan starting with the 2014 plan year and I have never received an Obamacare subsidy. My staff receives their insurance through the DC exchange."

Written by Congresswoman Martha McSally (AZ-02) and co-sponsored by Congressman Pittenger, this simple legislation would strike the "exemption" provision should the American Health Care Act become law.