WASHINGTON DC — U.S. Representative Peter J. Roskam (IL-06) explained why he voted for the American Health Care Act Thursday in a close 217 to 213 vote:
Obamacare has failed
- Premiums are skyrocketing (more than 20% in Illinois this year alone) and insurance companies are dropping out across the country
- In 3 of the 5 counties that comprise the Sixth District of Illinois, there is only one insurance provider left on the Obamacare exchange
- Nearly the entire state of Iowa (94 of 99 counties) will be without any insurance provider on the exchange next year
- Obamacare has already failed – if we do nothing, insurers will continue to exit the marketplace and millions of people will lose coverage
The AHCA will responsibly replace Obamacare
- The AHCA provides generous tax credits to people who don’t get coverage at work or have access to Medicare or Medicaid
- It introduces competition and choice into the marketplace to bring down costs and improve access to care
- The bill reforms Medicaid and provides more than $100 billion to help states provide coverage for those who cannot afford it
Pre-existing conditions will be protected
- Under no circumstances can people be denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition
- Even if a state obtains a waiver to set up an alternative system, anyone who maintains continuous coverage cannot lose his or her health care
- States that set up their own system to deal with the high cost of coverage must implement high-risk pools and other protections
- The bill allocates additional funding to help people who do not maintain continuous coverage
Members of Congress/Staff will be subject to the same rules
- Members of Congress and congressional staff will be subject to the same rules as everyone else
- Technicalities prevented this provision from being included in the same bill
- At the same time as the AHCA vote, the House passed a bill to make sure there is absolutely no exemption for Members of Congress or staff
Obamacare in the Sixth District
Matt from St. Charles saw his family plan go from under $300 per month before Obamacare to over $1,100 per month now. He will pay over $13,000 this year for a bronze plan through the Obamacare exchange.
Patricia from Clarendon Hills used to pay $398 per month for a comprehensive plan that fit the needs and budget of her family. She now pays $638 per month for an inferior plan with a higher deductible.
Thomas from Barrington saw his premiums increase 40%. He lost access to half of his providers, including the hospital closest to his community.
Steve from Lisle suffered a 75% premium hike in 2016 and now is facing at another 41% this year.
Susan from Lake Zurich was forced to downgrade her coverage after her insurance company increased the premiums for herself and her son to nearly $1,200 per month.
Jim from Wheaton is facing a 75% premium spike – he is now forced to pay almost $850 per month for insurance.
