REP. TOM O’HALLERAN EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER IMPACT OF GOP HEALTH CARE BILL

Today, the independent Congressional Budget Office (CBO), released analysis of the American Health Care Act, the GOP's health care legislation. If passed, the analysis estimates 14 million people would lose health insurance in 2018, with that number climbing to 24 million within the decade. The legislation nearly doubles the uninsured rate for individuals under 65 compared to current law.

"Congress should be focused on finding real solutions that protect access to coverage; not playing partisan politics with the health and wellbeing of millions of Americans," said Rep. O'Halleran. "With hundreds of thousands of Arizonans expected to lose coverage, it is past time for Congress to work together on a bipartisan solution."

Under the AHCA, average health care premiums are projected to be 15 percent to 20 percent higher through 2020 due to the elimination of the individual mandate and the reduced number of healthier people signing up for insurance. In addition, the GOP proposal strips insurance price protections for seniors, resulting in substantially higher premiums for Americans over 65. By ending the federal funds for Medicaid expansion and capping overall Medicaid spending, seniors and low-income households are disproportionately impacted by the legislation.

"This new legislation does nothing to slow or reduce the rising cost of health insurance. Older Arizonans will face higher premiums for less coverage and care, and it will be more difficult for rural hospitals to provide adequate health care," continued O'Halleran. "I urge my colleagues to work together to protect the investments we have made in recent years and find a solution that gives our families and seniors relief."

Read this original document at: https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-tom-o-halleran-expresses-concern-over-impact-gop-health-care-bill