Boyle Condemns Latest Trump Attempt to Undermine the ACA
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-13) released the following statement in response to the Trump Administration's announcement that it will discontinue the Affordable Care Act's cost-sharing reduction insurance subsidies for the middle class:
"Through this blatantly partisan and cruel action, President Trump will rip healthcare coverage from countless American families whom he has sworn to serve. Unable to get his TrumpCare plan through Congress, the President is now maliciously and purposefully undermining insurance markets for the most vulnerable Americans, and ongoing bipartisan negotiations to improve our healthcare system in the wake of the GOP's failed repeal efforts.
"With this step, and yesterday's executive action to erode the ACA's consumer protections for those with pre-existing conditions, it is clear that President Trump is now actively undermining Americans' access to healthcare for his own political gain. Ending cost-sharing reduction payments will make it harder for insurers to provide affordable coverage plans to consumers. These subsidies made it possible for working families to take their sick children to the doctor. They enabled insurers to enter small-town markets that would otherwise have few or no coverage options. Ending these subsidies will cause premiums to spike 20% in the next year and serve as a wrecking ball to basic healthcare access in our nation, and to the incredible progress in coverage that we've seen over the past 8 years thanks to the ACA.
"It is appalling that our President would knowingly act to harm the American people in this way, and end coverage options for so many. The President's actions are a blatant sabotage of the core tenants of our healthcare system – and a direct attack on the American people and their well-being. A president who prioritizes a political talking point over the most essential needs of the American people is nothing less than a serious threat to our nation."
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