The American Health Care Act is a Much Needed First Step in Returning Power to States

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Taylor McCarty
tmccarty@alec.org
571-482-5023

The American Health Care Act is a Much Needed First Step in Returning Power to States

 Arlington, VA (March 7, 2017) – Last night, Congress introduced a bill to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The new legislation, titled the American Health Care Act proposes a number of actions that would preserve popular elements of the ACA while returning power to the states. Reducing the regulatory burden on states will give them the opportunity to modernize our health care system and provide better care to all Americans.

The American Health Care Act repeals the taxes, mandates and subsidies inflicted by Obamacare while preserving certain protections many Americans enjoy, including protecting those with preexisting conditions and allowing those under the age of 26 to remain on their parents’ plan.

“The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) leads the way in policies that respect and preserve limited governments, free markets and federalism,” said Lisa Nelson, CEO of ALEC. “The states have been leading the way in health care reform for years, and I am glad to finally see Congress taking notes and overturning a policy that has left so many Americans drowning in debt and without the access to care they need. As more discussions take place, I look forward to seeing more ALEC legislators included in the conversation.”

“Yesterday’s release of the House Republican Obamacare replacement package is a long awaited moment in Congress delivering on its promise to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act,” said Mia Heck, Director of the ALEC Health and Human Services Task Force. “The failed law’s government-mandated approach to healthcare has significantly increased the cost of care, and as a result, has left nearly 1/3 of all U.S. counties with only one option for health insurance in the individual market. This is unacceptable.”

“After more than six years of Obamacare, 28 million people remain uninsured and premiums have gone up year after year,” said Wisconsin Senator Leah Vukmir. “The American Health Care Act ensures a stable transition away from the Affordable Care Act, and it is imperative Congress works to loosen federal requirements on states so they may have greater authority over how they deliver healthcare – only then can there be true reforms.”

To interview an ALEC policy expert or state legislator on repeal and replace legislation, email Taylor McCarty at tmccarty@alec.org.

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The American Legislative Exchange Council is the largest nonprofit association of state legislators dedicated to the principles of limited government, free markets and federalism. Nearly one quarter of all state legislators are members of ALEC and represent more than 60 million Americans. ALEC member companies, which range from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies, create roughly 30 million American jobs. To learn more, visit www.alec.org.