Third District Congressman Drew Ferguson (R-Ga.) last week voted to pass the American Health Care Act (AHCA).
“This legislation is just the first step towards creating a patient-centered, market-driven health care system,” said Ferguson.
“With today’s vote, I kept my promise to Third District residents to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and build a health care system that works for everyone. These reforms will allow the marketplace to drive down costs and increase options. This bill ensures that those with pre-existing conditions cannot be denied coverage, and that our safety net is strengthened and preserved for the most vulnerable. By empowering Americans to make their own health care decisions, we protect the all-important conversation between patients and their doctors. By cutting onerous regulations and taxes we promote economic growth for our nation,” Ferguson said.
The AHCA includes a number of reforms to the health care system including:
- Repealing the individual and employer mandates created by the ACA.
- Doubling the cap on how much individuals can contribute to their personal Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) each year and expanding where these dollars can be used.
- Returning power to the states with the biggest entitlement reform in a generation, putting Medicaid on a budget and focusing funds on those most in need, like children, the elderly and blind and disabled Americans.
- Ensures that those with pre-existing conditions cannot be denied insurance coverage and includes additional funding to ensure access to affordable coverage for all Americans, regardless of health status.
Rep. Ferguson also voted on H.R. 2192, which would ensure that members of Congress and congressional staff are not exempt from the state waiver provisions of the AHCA.
“Members of Congress should not receive any special treatment under the law,” said Ferguson.
The bill passed the House by a vote of 217-213. The legislation now goes to the Senate for consideration.
