Woolsey Says GOP's Patients' Rights Repeal Act Will Harm Hundreds of Thousands Residents of Marin and Sonoma Counties

Press Release

Rep. Lynn Woolsey, D-Petaluma, today blasted the Republicans' Patients' Rights Repeal Act, saying it would harm hundreds of thousands of residents of California's 6th Congressional District. The House Republican Leadership is expected to bring this legislation to the House floor for a vote this week.

"The 112th Congress should be focusing on creating jobs, but instead Republican leaders are trying to repeal patients' rights and put insurance companies back in charge," said Woolsey. "Hundreds of thousands of residents in the 6th Congressional District will lose rights that protect them from insurance company abuses and give them more freedom and control over their health care choices.

"My constituents simply can't afford the Patients' Rights Repeal Act," said Woolsey. "Under this Act, my constituents would lose key new patient rights, would see their out-of-pocket health costs go up, and in some cases would lose coverage."

Repealing the health reform law would have significant consequences in the 6th District by:

Allowing insurance companies to deny coverage to 119,000 to 295,000 individuals, including 7,000 to 32,000 children, with pre-existing conditions.

Rescinding consumer protections for 419,000 individuals who have health insurance through their employer or the market for private insurance.

Eliminating health care tax credits for up to 20,400 small businesses and 121,000 families.

Increasing prescription drug costs for 12,800 seniors who hit the Part D drug "donut hole" and denying new preventive care benefits to 101,000 seniors.

Increasing the costs of early retiree coverage for up to 10,700 early retirees.

Eliminating new health care coverage options for 3,000 uninsured young adults.

Increasing the number of people without health insurance by 37,000 individuals.

Increasing the costs to hospitals of providing uncompensated care by $45 million annually.

"Instead of the Patients' Rights Repeal Act, which would swell the deficit and limit access to health insurance, Republicans should be supporting ideas such as my Public Option Deficit Reduction Act, which would trim billions from the deficit and make health insurance more affordable," said Woolsey.

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