WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Kay Granger (TX-12) released the following statement after voting for passage of the American Health Care Act, which repeals some of the most burdensome taxes and penalties affecting families in the 12th District.

“For the last seven years, Republicans have promised to repeal Obamacare,” Congresswoman Granger said. “Today we took the first step towards keeping that commitment. This legislation eliminates burdensome taxes and the harmful individual and employer mandates. It also nearly doubles the amount of money that Americans can save for medical expenses and empowers states to design programs to provide assistance to the most vulnerable. While the American Health Care Act is not perfect, passage in the House of Representatives is an important first step.  The bill will now go to the Senate where there will be opportunities for improvement. 

“Many of my constituents have expressed their serious concerns about coverage of pre-existing conditions. I share their concerns and think it is vital that Congress guarantees that people with these conditions are protected. That is why the American Health Care Act prohibits insurance companies from denying coverage to our most vulnerable and provides states the flexibility to do what works best for their citizen’s unique needs.

“Before Obamacare, many states had high-risk pools for individuals with pre-existing conditions and Texas had one of the most successful pools in the nation. It is clear that states are better equipped than the federal government to provide adequate care for its most at risk citizens and it is no surprise that many of my constituents have asked for the return of high-risk pools. That is exactly what this bill does.”

 

 

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