Obamacare Continues to Disappoint, Kirkpatrick Still Proud

Press Release

As Obamacare continues to crumble, Arizona families are suffering the consequences. The dwindling number of Obamacare health insurance providers is leaving Arizonans with limited options and soaring health care costs.

Yet, Democrat Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick stands by her proudest vote.

"Democrat Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick has refused to back away from her reckless support of Obamacare,which continues to fail at the expense of Arizona families," said Lorna Romero, Communications Director. "While the health care law continues to crumble and leave hardworking Arizonans with less choice, Democrat Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick is standing by her "proudest' vote. "

Here is a brief recap on Obamacare's failures:

Last week, the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office reported that the Obama Administration is in clear violation of the Affordable Care Act by illegally diverting billions to insurance companies at taxpayers expense.

Individual mandate penalties have cost 8 million Americans $1.7 billion in penalties. John McCain introduced the Protection from Obamacare Monopolies Act to exempt those who live in a county with one or no Obamacare health providers from paying the individual mandate penalty.

Obamacare implemented an additional 0.9 percent payroll tax on wages and income for self-employed citizens, as well as a tax on investment income to the tune of $123 billion. Combined, taxpayers will be on the hook for $317 billion over the next decade.

Obamacare has introduced onerous restrictions on flexible spending accounts, resulting in a $13 billion tax hike, and increased penalties on health savings accounts to the tune of $1.4 billion. In addition, Obamacare has denied Americans the ability to use pre-tax dollars in health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts and health reimbursement to purchase most over-the-counter medicines -- resulting in a $5 billion tax increase.

Obamacare implemented a 40 percent excise tax on certain high-priced workplace health plans, which will reduce their value to employees. This tax is expected to collect $87 billion from 2016 through 2025.

Obamacare introduced a tax on the chronically ill through a cutback in the itemized deduction for medical expenses. Under the law, the threshold for Arizonans under the age of 65 facing costly medical bills to deduct medical expenses on their tax filings increased by more than 30% -- resulting in a $15.2 billion tax hike. In 2017, this tax will apply to everyone -- regardless of age.

The CBO has projected that Obamacare will result in 2.5 million fewer full-time jobs by 2024 and increase taxes by $1.2 trillion in the next decade. During these tough economic times, Congresswoman Kirkpatrick stands by her vote as her constituents face job losses and higher taxes.

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