Senator Wicker's reply...

I wrote to Senator Wicker about the GOP's idea of repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act.  My response is below Senator Wicker's letter.

Dear Barbara,

Thank you for contacting me regarding health-care reform.    I am glad to have the benefit of your views on this issue.

On January 12, 2017, the Senate passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 3, with my support.    The House of Representatives passed this bill on January 13, 2017.    This bill begins the process of enacting new, market-driven health-care reforms and does not affect Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid in Mississippi.

I believe all Americans should have access to affordable and high-quality health care.    In 2010, Congress passed a 2,700-page law that increases the government's role in our health-care system. Unfortunately, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act has raised costs and burdens on American families and small businesses with billions of dollars in new taxes and regulations.

There are certain aspects of the current law that would easily pass Congress again after a full repeal, including provisions prohibiting health insurers from denying coverage to people with preexisting conditions and maintaining young adult coverage through the age of 26.    I am committed to finding a new approach to health-care reform that actually lowers the cost of care for families and workers.    Eliminating frivolous medical lawsuits, letting small businesses band together to provide health insurance for their employees, and allowing people to purchase insurance across state lines are some of the many ways we could lower costs and improve the quality of care for patients.

The Affordable Care Act has had a negative impact on our state.    Skyrocketing premiums and co-payments have limited access to doctors for too many Mississippians.    I support lower premiums and patients' freedom to choose their providers.    In 2008, I introduced legislation that would have broadened insurance competition across state lines, giving individuals and families more choices and using market forces to drive down costs.    My bill would have allowed patients to keep their current doctor and would have helped Mississippians who cannot afford health insurance.    I believe in workable solutions that empower patients  –   not unelected bureaucrats   –   in their health-care decisions.

Although you and I disagree on repealing this law, we agree that all Americans deserve access to affordable health care.    I share your concerns about health care in our country, and I will continue to work toward effective solutions.    Please continue to let me know about issues of concern to you.

With best wishes, I am

Sincerely,
Roger

Roger F. Wicker
U.S. Senator
555 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C., 20510
202-224-6253

BT: I don't believe Senator Wicker's position on the ACA is correct and here is why:

1. In MS, Gov. Bryant refused the Medicaid Expansion which would have helped more MS residents afford insurance.

2. While the GOP continues their "repeal and replace" chant, they have not presented a plan to the public.  The Republicans have enjoyed a majority in both chambers of Congress since 2010.  And yet, where is their plan?

3. Since 2010, the GOP has had ample time to tweak the ACA to make it better.  But they didn't.

4. I am suggesting to Senator Wicker and the Republican Party that allowing insurance companies to sell across State lines will reduce insurance company competition rather than increase competition.  This will be devastating to poorer States like MS.  Insurance companies need to have a physical presence where they want to sell their product.  There is a reason there are so many States with only one insurance company "competing" for the health care business.  The reason is business.  The insurance companies have decided they can't make enough money in some States and they take their business elsewhere.

If the GOP wants to sell across State lines, let's just go to Medicare for all.

In conclusion, I am suggesting that the GOP has lost all credibility when it comes to the ACA.  Their inaction since 2010 speaks for itself.  I am suggesting that the GOP acknowledge that the White House won the Electoral College and not the popular vote.  They need to start passing legislation that We the People support.  And We the People like the Affordable Care Act.  Listen to the protests.