Congressman John Shimkus praised the House of Representatives’ bill proposed to replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA), or Obamacare. On Monday House Republicans released the American Health Care Act or (AHCA). Congressman Shimkus said the new law is what people have been asking for.
“This is the relief my constituents have demanded,” said Shimkus, a senior member of the Energy and Commerce Committee that will markup the bill on Wednesday. “The American Health Care Act offers American families more options, lower costs and the flexibility to choose a plan that fits their unique needs, not Washington’s one-size-fits-all mandates.”
The AHCA removes middle class taxes on prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, health-insurance premiums, and medical devices. Additionally the new law repeals individual and employer mandate penalties.
“While the vast majority of my constituents will be glad to see this costly, broken law go away, some are concerned about losing their current coverage,” Shimkus added. “I want these folks to know that vital patient protections will be preserved under the AHCA.”
According to Shimkus, the bill retains several provisions from the ACA that includes barring insurers from denying coverage, or charging higher premiums, based on pre-existing conditions; putting annual or lifetime caps on care; and charging women more than men. The AHCA also allows 26 year old to stay on their parent’s plans.
“Illinois hospitals and providers have long struggled with below average Medicaid reimbursements,” Shimkus said. “As we move toward a per capita system, which will restore Medicaid’s focus on the most vulnerable populations, we will also have an opportunity to work together to better calculate the federal funding each state receives.”