[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 57 (Monday, April 3, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E431]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        AMERICAN HEALTH CARE ACT

                                  _____
                                 

                         HON. SUZANNE BONAMICI

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 3, 2017

  Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the American 
Health Care Act--TrumpCare--and to express my relief that it was 
removed from consideration before a vote. This proposal would have been 
a disaster for Oregonians and Americans. People would pay more and get 
less, and if they couldn't afford to pay more, they'd be out of luck.
  Many would face a future without health insurance, or with inadequate 
coverage. The bill was especially bad for seniors, whose rates would 
have increased significantly.
  Without coverage, working families are a cancer diagnosis or a heart 
attack away from economic ruin. When I worked at Legal Aid, many 
clients were struggling to repay medical debt after getting sick with 
no insurance or insurance that didn't cover their needs. We can't go 
back to the days when medical debt forced people into bankruptcy.
  At my recent town hall meeting in McMinnville, Oregon a woman told me 
that her father-in-law suffered a massive stroke. Without coverage 
under the ACA, their family wouldn't have been able to afford the 
helicopter transport to Portland or his care at a rehabilitation 
facility.
  Astoundingly, the TrumpCare bill also eliminated essential health 
benefits; several important consumer protections the Affordable Care 
Act added to insurance. By removing these benefits, TrumpCare would not 
cover many critical services, like mental health care, emergency room 
services, and maternity care. This change in the bill, added late at 
night in a desperate but unsuccessful attempt to gain more support from 
conservatives, would mean that people would once again buy insurance 
policies that would not cover their needs.
  Additionally, TrumpCare made meaningless the ACA guarantee that 
people with preexisting conditions cannot be discriminated against or 
denied coverage. With TrumpCare, people with pre-existing conditions 
would face insurmountable bills if unexpected illness or injuries 
occur.
  Finally, women would stand to lose significantly under TrumpCare. 
Women who get lifesaving cancer screenings and care at Planned 
Parenthood would have to find a new provider. Without insurance plans 
covering maternity care, women would struggle to get prenatal care--or 
simply go without. New mothers without insurance could face $50,000 in 
bills after a cesarean section.
  I was strongly opposed to TrumpCare because it was terrible policy 
for Oregonians and Americans. I will continue to do everything in my 
power to protect Oregonians from the pay more, get less policies that 
are currently under consideration by the leadership of the House of 
Representatives.
  Americans need the stability of knowing they will have affordable 
health care coverage. I stand ready to work with all of my colleagues 
on policies that improve access to affordable health care for everyone.

                          ____________________