Sen. Cruz: We Must Deliver on Our Promise to Repeal Obamacare and Lower Healthcare Costs
'I will continue working to bring
"Four months ago, I joined with a group of five other senators with very different perspectives on health care policy - representative of the full spectrum of the
"While I have not yet had the opportunity to fully review the draft legislative text itself, there are components that give me encouragement and there are also components that are a cause for deep concern.
"I am encouraged that the bill would expand association health plans, so those in individual or small group markets can join together in large groups to get lower rates. I am also pleased that the bill would make at least some progress in reining in the long-term growth of Medicaid. These are two inclusions that I have been fighting for since the beginning of our discussions. Finally, I am glad that this retains the provisions previously passed by
"However, as currently drafted, this bill draft does not do nearly enough to lower premiums. That should be the central issue for
"But it is important to remember that what was released today was only a draft. I am hopeful that as we openly debate this legislation, real improvements will be made prior to floor consideration so that we can pass a bill that provides the relief from Obamacare that
"Specifically, we should do more to ensure consumers have the freedom to choose among more affordable plans that are tailored for their individual healthcare needs. We should allow consumers to purchase insurance across state lines and create a true 50-state marketplace, driving down costs for everyone. We should expand health savings accounts so that consumers can pay health insurance premiums on a pre-tax basis. We should incentivize states to cap punitive damages in medical malpractice lawsuits to further reduce the cost of healthcare.
"Finally, we should provide real flexibility for Medicaid, so states can design creative and innovative ways to provide care for our most vulnerable. I have strongly advocated for these proposals to this point and will continue to do so going forward.
"I want to get to yes, but this first draft doesn't get the job done. Over the next week and beyond, I will continue working to bring
SENATOR GILLIBRAND STATEMENT ON SENATE VERSION OF THE AMERICAN HEALTH CARE ACT
Inhofe, Lankford Statement on Republican Health Care Discussion Draft
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