Roe Statement on the House Democrat Push to Eliminate State Innovation Options

Statement

Today, Rep. Phil Roe, M.D. (R-Tenn.) released the following statement after voting against Democrats' legislation to eliminate Section 1332 state innovation health care waivers:

"While Democrats continue to believe the Affordable Care Act created a perfect health care system, President Trump and his administration have been working to implement commonsense reforms that make health care more affordable and give states the freedom and flexibility to innovate through Section 1332 waivers. For example, Maryland has seen a 43.4 percent decrease in average individual market premiums since their Section 1332 waiver was granted. Today's bill will do nothing to protect Americans with preexisting conditions. In fact, it will eliminate affordable options for coverage and force those with the most to lose to pay higher premiums. These waivers allow states to innovate but maintain protections for those suffering from a pre-existing condition. I am glad the Trump administration sees the benefit of state innovation rather than federal mandates."

Note: In October 2018, The Trump administration released new guidelines for Section 1332 waivers, making it easier for a waiver to be approved. H.R. 986 would undo the Trump administration's action on Section 1332 waivers, preventing the Secretaries of Health and Human Services and Treasury from establishing any other similar rule or guidance.

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