Repealing Mandatory Funding for State Health Insurance Exchanges

Floor Speech

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Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Chair, today we are considering yet another bill in the Republican majority's efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act. H.R. 1213 would repeal the funding from the Affordable Care Act for States to establish competitive and transparent insurance exchanges.

This legislation will gut meaningful health insurance reform. A critical piece of the Affordable Care Act was to allow States to create insurance exchanges that will allow individuals and small businesses to comparison shop for affordable and quality health insurance coverage, just like what Members of Congress can currently do through the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.

Many states--including Maryland--have already used Federal funding to set up these exchanges. Repealing this funding would have negative consequences for States and consumers. According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, without Federal assistance, fewer States will be able to establish an insurance exchange, and the establishment of the exchange, enrollment and operations will be significantly delayed.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to oppose this misguided legislation.

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