WASHINGTON, DC - Energy and Commerce Committee Republican Leader Greg Walden (R-OR) and Health Subcommittee Republican Leader Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX) issued the following statement after Democrats passed six health care bills, with only Democratic support, in committee.
“These bills might have catchy titles, but they are misleading. Republicans want to fix our health care system so that it works better for consumers. That’s why we continue to fight for coverage for those with pre-existing conditions, while offering solutions to lower costs and expand choices for more Americans. None of the bills Democrats passed today are paid for and none of the bills make structural changes to significantly lower costs or improve access to care. We know Democrats want to avoid discussing their real health care plan, a one-size-fits-all government run system that will cost $32 trillion and force 158 million Americans off their employer or union sponsored health care plans. Their takeover of health care will lead to delay in accessing health care and fewer choices for consumers. We should work together to lower health care costs, increase access to private health insurance, and make sure our health care system works better for all Americans," Walden and Burgess said.
Background:
Republicans are committed to protecting every American with pre-existing conditions, expanding access and increasing choice, and offering real solutions to lower health care cost.
Protecting Every American with Pre-existing Conditions
* On day one of this Congress, House Republicans acted to protect Americans with pre-existing conditions. House Democrats blocked that effort.
* The Republican motion would have required Congress to take up a bill that:
** guaranteed no American citizen can be denied health insurance coverage as the result of a previous illness or health status; and
** guaranteed no American citizen can be charged higher premiums or cost sharing as the result of a previous illness or health status, thus ensuring affordable health coverage for those with pre-existing conditions.
* Additionally, Republicans have long supported many common-sense consumer protections, including ending lifetime and annual limits on coverage, banning unjust cancellations of insurance coverage and allowing kids to stay on their parents’ plan until they are 26.
