Hatch Statement on Senate Healthcare Discussion Draft

Utah Senator says, “Today, after years of discussions and hearings, Senate Republicans are putting forth solutions to rescue the American people from this devastating law.”

WASHINGTON – Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) today released the following statement regarding the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017 discussion draft:

“For the past seven years, Obamacare’s high costs and burdensome mandates have had devastating effects on the American economy, small businesses and middle-class families trying to find affordable, quality care. Today, after years of discussions and hearings, Senate Republicans are putting forth solutions to rescue the American people from this devastating law. The discussion draft released today is an important step in our effort to replace Obamacare with patient-centered reforms that address costs, provide more choices, and ultimately put Americans – not Washington – back in charge of their health care.

“The Better Care Reconciliation Act maintains protections for those with pre-existing conditions. It repeals the burdensome individual and employer mandates, gets rid of the Obamacare taxes, and helps to stabilize collapsing insurance markets – all to make health insurance more affordable. The proposal strengthens Medicaid, giving states the flexibility to implement healthcare programs that best meet their needs and levels the playing field between expansion and non-expansion states. It further preserves coverage for children with disabilities and individuals with substance use disorders and mental illness. And, it does not touch Americans’ Medicare benefits. While this discussion draft will help move the effort forward, I will continue to review this proposal and work with my colleagues to provide better care for all Americans.”

Background: Between all relevant committees, there have been at least 66 healthcare hearings in the United States Senate since Obamacare became law – three dozen of which were convened by the Senate Finance Committee.

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