Press Releases

Today, the House of Representatives voted on H.R. 1628, the American Health Care Act of 2017, to repeal and replace Obamacare. It passed by a vote of 217-213.

Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) said, “I voted in support of the repeal and replacement of the failed health insurance program known as Obamacare. The new bill guarantees everyone has access to health insurance.  The bill sets up a system with choices instead of mandates, and will lower costs over time, making care for all more affordable. A piece of paper saying you have health insurance does not mean you can always afford healthcare.”

“Americans overwhelming voted to undo the burdens of Obamacare, and this bill delivers.  Furthermore, it will not allow insurers to deny those who do not have access to health insurance through their employer, on the basis of pre-existing conditions.”

“This bill is our best chance to offer more choices, eliminate taxes, lower skyrocketing premiums, and bring down deductibles so families can get the healthcare they need.”

“The replacement bill is far better than the system we have now, called Obamacare, but that does not mean it is perfect. And there is much more to do to guarantee Americans a system that gives them both access and choices about their healthcare. Choices that families want and need, instead of mandates from the federal government in Washington.”

“Because of Senate rules, it is difficult to achieve the complete healthcare reform we want to accomplish, but this bill is a positive step in the right direction.”

Background on the AHCA

Obamacare has failed to deliver on its promises of lower costs and maintaining plans and providers.  On top of that, it is completely collapsing.  Insurers are fleeing the markets, contributing to increasingly rising costs.  Counties in some states, like Tennessee and Iowa, are left with no insurance options on the Obamacare exchanges when insurers pull out as they have announced.

The new bill repeals Obamacare taxes and includes a monthly tax credit for low and middle income families who don’t receive insurance through their employer or government program.   Those on Medicare will not lose their access to health insurance, and the Medicaid program will be improved to be more sustainable over time.  The bill prohibits denying coverage on the basis of a pre-existing condition.

Furthermore, this afternoon, Congress voted to pass H.R. 2192, which prohibits health insurance exemptions for Members of Congress and their staff.  Congressman Griffith was a co-sponsor of this bill.

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