Senate Finance Committee Issues Testimony From Sen. Cassidy
"My colleagues, it is a privilege to speak to the "Graham-Cassidy-Heller-Johnson" amendment to H.R. 1628, the American Health Care Act.
"Before being
"The ACA promised affordable health care coverage, freedom to keep your doctor and to bring health care costs down. In reality, middle class families have sky-rocketing premiums, individual mandates which Americans hate,
"Some today will bewail that
"As a positive,
"States receive an allocation based on how many Americans between 50 and 138% FPL live in the state. Over the course of years, the amount the federal taxpayer provides per person equalizes so that no matter where the American lives, they benefit equally.
"Let me address the inevitable comment that we end Medicaid expansion. A state can continue to fund their expansion program as they have implemented. They have the flexibility. Despite pointing this out, it will be said.
"To help states, Medicaid Expansion match is waived. The flexible block grant functions like a combined Section 1115/1332 waiver with guardrails providing states flexibility to innovate. We preserve patient protections such as mental health parity, guaranteed issue, prohibit charging women more for health insurance and no lifetime caps. States applying for waivers must prove that Americans with pre-existing conditions have access to affordable and adequate coverage - period, the end. I'm asked what is the definition of affordable. It means the patient can afford it.
"This raises an issue, many on the left are threatened that we give states and patients the power Obamacare usurped. Under this narrative, states are inept, corrupt Governors scheme to deprive his or her state's residents of protections, and patients only get better if told what to do. This amendment rejects that narrative.
"GCHJ repeals the individual mandate which ACA architect
"Today, I expect accusations that this is a partisan bill which drains Blue states for the sake of Red states. Totally false. Under the latest version,
"I also expect pleas for regular order. Why don't we just have hearings. I don't defend this process, but I will say that no Democrat was interested in addressing the problems with Obamacare in my state when
"We need to pass Graham-Cassidy-Heller-Johnson Amendment, returning power to patients and states while expanding access to coverage for millions. Thank you."
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