Capito Statement On 2nd Anniversary Of Passage Of President's Healthcare Law

Press Release

Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., released the following statement recognizing the 2nd anniversary of the passage of thePresident's unpopular healthcare law. The President signed the legislation into law on March 23, 2010:

"Two years after the Democrats' healthcare bill became law, Americans are left with broken promises and unanswered questions. Most Americans believe that government-takeover of healthcare will not lower premiums and will force small businesses to cut back on hiring new workers. Unfortunately, they're right.

"When I travel my district to meet with small business owners, one of the first things he or she inevitably tells me is that the healthcare law is hurting their business. Some tell me they may have to stop providing coverage for their workers. Some tell me they aren't hiring a new employee or buying new equipment until they're sure how the law will affect them. This law is bad for business.

"The Healthcare law cut over a half trillion dollars from Medicare, and soon a new government control panel known as IPAB will be tasked with cutting Medicare funding even more. Seniors are right to be worried.

"I have promoted commonsense reforms like enacting meaningful medical liability reform, allowing Americans to buy insurance across state lines and promoting wellness and prevention. We can reform our healthcare system without a total government takeover that Americans neither want nor can afford."

Repealing IPAB

The House is scheduled to vote to today on H.R. 5, the PATH Act, to repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) which is tasked with making recommendations to cut per capita Medicare spending if such spending exceeds certain economic growth targets.

"Most West Virginians probably don't know that the President's healthcare law includes a rationing board specifically tasked with cutting funding for Medicare medical services. Fifteen unelected and unaccountable bureaucrats appointed by President Obama will have the power to meet in secrecy and do everything from decide which tests your doctor may order to cut reimbursement rates for doctors," stated Capito.

The potential ramifications of this board are vast. Experts agree that the rationing board will have little choice but to cut or sharply restrain reimbursement payments to doctors who treat Seniors.

According to the Energy and Commerce Committee, "the desire to repeal IPAB is strong and bipartisan across the nation and in Congress. In addition to the over 230 cosponsors of the repeal legislation (H.R. 452), more than 390 groups representing patients, doctors, and employers have written Congress, asking that IPAB be repealed."

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