Friday, February 06, 2015

Billy Long: Replacing Obamacare with a conservative, constructive framework

(From Seventh District Congressman Billy Long)

Southwest Missourians never wanted Obamacare. The Seventh District first let their voices be heard loud and clear in August 2010 when more than 80 percent in the district voted against Obamacare and supported passage of Proposition C. In the time since, I have heard countless stories from constituents sharing far more negative than positive impacts the law has had on their lives – from skyrocketing premiums and deductibles to business owners holding back on expansion to prevent added costs of mandated insurance coverage.

These stories are exactly why I again voted with the House this week to repeal Obamacare, which passed by a 239 – 186 vote. The bill awaits action in the Senate, where movement is more likely now than any time since Obamacare was signed into law.

In this repeal bill, Congress is required to replace Obamacare with affordable health care measures. Congress will work on solutions to end Obamacare’s job-killing policies and regulations to promote economic growth, increase insurance market competition to improve quality service and diminish costs, allow Americans to keep their health plans if desired, and ensure those with pre-existing conditions access to coverage.

This bill shows the American people that Congress is not solely focused on pure dismantlement of the unpopular law, but also assures a conservative, constructive framework for replacement is in place. As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee, I will be directly working to promote patient-centered policies to actually improve the American health care system. I will continue efforts to make health care truly more affordable and accessible for all, while making sure Southwest Missouri values are heard throughout the process.

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