Rep. Walorski Issues Statement on CBO Analysis of American Health Care Act

MISHAWAKA, Ind., March 13 -- Rep. Jackie Walorski, R-Ind., issued the following statement after the Congressional Budget Office released its report on the American Health Care Act, legislation to repeal Obamacare and begin a stable transition to a better health care system:

"Obamacare forced millions of Americans into one-size-fits-all plans they can't afford, while our bill gives people the freedom to choose plans in a competitive market. It's no surprise the CBO predicts fewer people will purchase health insurance once they are no longer forced to do so.

"The American Health Care Act - along with additional administrative and legislative measures - will lower costs, increase choices, stabilize markets, and protect patients. The CBO report confirms that the reforms in this bill will lower premiums in the long term, provide individuals and families with relief from Obamacare's taxes and mandates, and save taxpayers more than $330 billion.

"I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in Congress, the Trump administration, and Governor Holcomb to take control away from Washington, give states the flexibility to enact innovative reforms like those in Indiana, and put health care decisions back in patients' hands."

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BACKGROUND

The American Health Care Act will repeal Obamacare and replace it with a better health care system that lowers costs, increases choices, and protects patients. Specifically, the legislation will:

* Provide relief for families and small businesses from Obamacare's burdensome taxes and mandates;

* Protect patients with pre-existing conditions and allow young adults to stay on their parents' health care plan until age 26;

* Ensure Americans have access to quality, affordable health care through tax credits and expanded health savings accounts (HSAs);

* Give states flexibility to tailor solutions to the needs of their own citizens instead of top-down, one-size-fits-all policies from Washington; and

* Begin a stable transition period to ensure no one has the rug pulled out from under them.

Individuals and families who do not have access to job-based coverage, Medicare, or Medicaid will be able to use advanceable, refundable tax credits to purchase the health insurance plan of their choice. The legislation would also help families save for medical expenses by raising contribution limits for HSAs and expanding how they can be used.

The House Ways and Means Committee, of which Walorski is a member, last week held a markup of the portions of the legislation that fall under the committee's jurisdiction. Walorski voted to advance these portions, which include ending Obamacare's taxes and mandates, enhancing HSAs, and providing tax credits for health coverage. The American Health Care Act will be considered this week by the House Budget Committee.

The full text of the American Health Care Act is available at readthebill.gop.

Walorski represents the 2nd Congressional District of Indiana, serving as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.

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