In his blog, new Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-Ohio) answers Democrats' arguments against repeal of the healthcare reform law, which the House plans to vote on this week.
Democrats' argument: The Republicans' repeal bill, titled the "Repealing the Job-Killing Health Care Law Act," is actually a job-killer in itself, partly because it would take away healthcare jobs.
John Boehner: The reform law is a job-killer because it would prompt some employers to cut health insurance and hire fewer low-wage workers. "By piling more debt onto the backs of our kids and grandkids, and imposing a costly maze of taxes, penalties, and mandates on job creators, ObamaCare will lead to fewer jobs," Mr. Boehner said.
Democrats' argument: The GOP repeal bill would prevent Americans with pre-existing conditions from obtaining insurance.
John Boehner: A Republican healthcare bill, H.R. 4038, introduced in the House in November, addressed people with preexisting conditions by directing states to offer them coverage in high-risk pools. "The proposal fully funded and reformed high-risk pools and reinsurance programs," he said. "House Republicans will be looking at similar reforms this year."
Democrats' argument: The repeal bill would not allow children through age 25 to stay on their parents' health insurance policy.
John Boehner: Last year's GOP bill included that provision and "Republicans will continue to support this reform," Mr. Boehner said.
Democrats' argument: The repeal bill would expose many Medicare beneficiaries to the "donut hole" creating higher costs for prescription drugs, which was closed by the reform bill.
John Boehner: The Democrats' solution to drug prices involved "a backroom deal" with the pharmaceuticals industry that will increase premiums for Medicare Part D by as much as nine percent and cost taxpayers $42.6 billion.
Democrats' argument: President Obama signed an executive order eliminating the need for a pro-life amendment to the reform bill.
John Boehner: The executive order was a political "maneuver" and does not carry the force of law.
Democrats' argument: Repeal would raise the federal deficit by about $230 billion over the next decade and leave 32 million Americans uninsured.
John Boehner: The GOP healthcare plan from last year would have actually lowered premiums.
Read the Speaker of the House's Blog on healthcare reform.
Read more coverage of repeal of the healthcare reform law:
- GOP-Controlled House Launches Repeal Effort
- Repeal Would Cost $230B Over Next Decade, Congressional Budget Office Says
- 15 Benefits of Healthcare Reform Listed by Administration Before Repeal Vote
Democrats' argument: The Republicans' repeal bill, titled the "Repealing the Job-Killing Health Care Law Act," is actually a job-killer in itself, partly because it would take away healthcare jobs.
John Boehner: The reform law is a job-killer because it would prompt some employers to cut health insurance and hire fewer low-wage workers. "By piling more debt onto the backs of our kids and grandkids, and imposing a costly maze of taxes, penalties, and mandates on job creators, ObamaCare will lead to fewer jobs," Mr. Boehner said.
Democrats' argument: The GOP repeal bill would prevent Americans with pre-existing conditions from obtaining insurance.
John Boehner: A Republican healthcare bill, H.R. 4038, introduced in the House in November, addressed people with preexisting conditions by directing states to offer them coverage in high-risk pools. "The proposal fully funded and reformed high-risk pools and reinsurance programs," he said. "House Republicans will be looking at similar reforms this year."
Democrats' argument: The repeal bill would not allow children through age 25 to stay on their parents' health insurance policy.
John Boehner: Last year's GOP bill included that provision and "Republicans will continue to support this reform," Mr. Boehner said.
Democrats' argument: The repeal bill would expose many Medicare beneficiaries to the "donut hole" creating higher costs for prescription drugs, which was closed by the reform bill.
John Boehner: The Democrats' solution to drug prices involved "a backroom deal" with the pharmaceuticals industry that will increase premiums for Medicare Part D by as much as nine percent and cost taxpayers $42.6 billion.
Democrats' argument: President Obama signed an executive order eliminating the need for a pro-life amendment to the reform bill.
John Boehner: The executive order was a political "maneuver" and does not carry the force of law.
Democrats' argument: Repeal would raise the federal deficit by about $230 billion over the next decade and leave 32 million Americans uninsured.
John Boehner: The GOP healthcare plan from last year would have actually lowered premiums.
Read the Speaker of the House's Blog on healthcare reform.
Read more coverage of repeal of the healthcare reform law:
- GOP-Controlled House Launches Repeal Effort
- Repeal Would Cost $230B Over Next Decade, Congressional Budget Office Says
- 15 Benefits of Healthcare Reform Listed by Administration Before Repeal Vote