Capito, Cassidy, Collins, Isakson Introduce Comprehensive Obamacare Replacement Plan

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Bill Cassidy, MD (R-La.), Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) introduced the Patient Freedom Act of 2017, a comprehensive replacement plan for Obamacare.

"There needs to be a replacement for Obamacare that provides access to affordable, quality health care, including to those West Virginians currently receiving coverage through the exchange or Medicaid expansion. The Patient Freedom Act of 2017 accomplishes this by reducing Obamacare regulations that have caused health insurance premiums to sky rocket, returning authority to states, and providing more health care choices to individuals and families. It also keeps important protections such as coverage for pre-existing conditions, allowing dependent coverage through age 26, and retaining improvements to the federal Black Lung benefits program, which is especially important in West Virginia," said Senator Capito.

"We have been stressing the importance of making sure we have a replacement plan ready to go with the repeal of Obamacare, in order to ensure that no one sees a gap in their health care coverage. With the introduction of the Patient Freedom Act of 2017, I believe we now have that plan," said Dr. Cassidy. "President Trump has said that he wants to have health care coverage for all under the replacement plan. The Patient Freedom Act does this and more."

"Our current health care system is under considerable stress and will collapse if Congress does not act. The ACA has been in full effect for three years, yet nearly 30 million people still do not have health insurance coverage. Those who do have coverage are experiencing huge spikes in premium costs, deductibles, and co-pays. Simply put, doing nothing is not an option." said Senator Collins. "The Patient Freedom Act of 2017 will help ensure that more Americans have access to affordable health care that improves choice and helps restrain costs. With this legislation, we are placing a specific replacement proposal on the table for our colleagues to coalesce around, debate, and refine so that our efforts can move forward with no gap in coverage for those relying on the current system."

"The Patient Freedom Act encompasses the changes that Americans are demanding so they can once again have choices for more affordable health insurance," said Senator Isakson. "This proposal allows young adults to remain on their parents' insurance through age 26, protects coverage for people with pre-existing conditions and prevents discrimination based on health status. Additionally, it returns authority back to the states to structure their insurance markets and serve their Medicaid populations in ways that meet the unique needs of each state. I am pleased to join this group of senators who are serious about replacing President Obama's failed health care law with one based on free market principles that will increase choice for families and businesses."

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