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Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) released the following statement after voting to pass H.R. 1628, the American Health Care Act (AHCA), which repeals Obamacare and replaces it with patient-centered heath care.
 
“It’s very evident that Obamacare is failing the American people, and its problems continue to grow. Just yesterday, more than 70,000 Iowans found out they might not have a single insurer to purchase insurance from on their exchanges next year. Last year, more than 5.5 million people decided to pay an IRS penalty instead of purchasing insurance they can’t afford. The promises of Obamacare have been thoroughly broken, and the problems it has foisted on hardworking families can’t be ignored. Constituents in my district have told me about skyrocketing premiums, difficultly using their insurance, and the lack of choices they face thanks to Obamacare. Out of the 14 counties I represent, four are facing a reality where there won’t be a single insurer available on the exchanges, and another five counties will most likely only have one insurer available.
 
“The AHCA keeps in place protections for pre-existing conditions while giving states more flexibility to improve their health care marketplaces and bring down the cost of insurance. At the same time, the bill repeals Obamacare’s burdensome mandates and costly taxes that hurt Ohio families and small businesses, and it establishes a Patient and State Stability Fund that will provide funding to states so they can implement policies that work best for their citizens. The legislation also makes needed reforms to the Medicaid program while ensuring a stable transition during the implementation of the AHCA.
 
“Our health care system desperately needs rescuing from the disaster that is Obamacare, and that’s why I voted to pass the American Health Care Act and provide much needed relief for Ohioans.”
 
In addition to passing the American Health Care Act, Congressman Latta also voted to pass H.R. 2192, legislation that ensures that Members of Congress and congressional staff will be subject to the AHCA when it passes the Senate and is signed into law. Due to procedural issues, that legislation had to be passed as a stand-alone bill.
 
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