Since the start of this year, Congress has been working on repealing and replacing Obamacare. I wanted to provide some more information about what is happening in Washington on this effort.
Dear Friends,
On Thursday, the Senate released a discussion draft of health care legislation to replace Obamacare. The Senate is expected to vote on the bill late next week. In the meantime, changes to the bill are likely as senators review the draft and talk to their constituents.
I am still reviewing the draft and it’s important to recognize that as a member of the House of Representatives, I won’t get to vote on the Senate bill until it’s passed out of that chamber. Until then, let me share a few things about the Senate draft.
The Senate proposal largely mirrors the House version we passed in May, but there are key differences. Among them is that the Senate version strengthens protections for preexisting conditions, which was a concern raised by many constituents. As we did in the House, the Senate preserved tax credits for middle- and lower-income Americans for the purchase of health insurance. However, instead of basing eligibility on age and family size as the House did in the American Health Care Act, the Senate used income levels as the yardstick.
It is imperative that Texans have access to affordable health care. I have heard repeatedly from constituents about problems with Obamacare, including skyrocketing premiums and a lack of choice when it comes to insurance plans and doctors.
House and Senate Republicans share the goal of delivering to President Trump a replacement for Obamacare that restores freedom of choice, lowers premiums, protects patients with preexisting conditions, and improves health care options for Texans.
It is important to remember that we cannot fix everything that is wrong with our broken health care system in a single bill. My promise is that I will vote for what is good for the people of Texas’ 12th congressional district. I will continue to work with my colleagues in the House and with the administration to find sensible and cost-effective proposals that reduce insurance premiums and improve the quality of care. Repeal of Obamacare is just the first step.
Sincerely,
Kay Granger
Member of Congress