Part
of “a
seven-year mission to demolish the Affordable Care Act”
Congressman
Jim Langevin
(D-RI) issued the following statement in response to Republican plans to repeal
and replace key provisions of the ACA:
“Republicans
have engaged in a seven-year mission to demolish the Affordable Care Act, a law
that has expanded health coverage to approximately 20 million Americans and
more than 100,000 Rhode Islanders.
“Regrettably,
their single-minded focus on gutting the law has eclipsed any legitimate policy
solutions to ensure Americans aren’t harmed by this rushed and ill-conceived
alternative.
“The latest Republican proposal would cause premiums for millions of Americans to sky-rocket; it would assess financial penalties on people who experience a lapse in coverage regardless of circumstance or need; and it would raise out-of-pocket costs on medical expenses while allowing insurance companies to charge older Americans more to see their doctors.
“Finally,
it would force state Medicaid programs to take on higher costs to care for our
most vulnerable children, seniors and individuals with disabilities.
“I
have long said that the ACA isn’t perfect, and I am willing to work in a
bipartisan manner to improve the law. However, if enacted, the Republican
plan will only lead to higher costs, less coverage, and increased strain on our
health care system, our patients and our families.”
Click HERE to see the specific effects ACA repeal would have on Rhode Island.