NTU urges all Representatives to vote “NO” on H.R. 987, the “Strengthening Health Care and Lowering Prescription Drug Costs Act of 2019.” This legislative package features a number of provisions that would directly harm patients and limit access to health insurance for many Americans. While H.R. 987 does include some provisions worthy of consideration, it ultimately fails to address the structural challenges plaguing the healthcare market.
Despite promises that the passage of Obamacare would reduce prescription drug and other health care costs, access to affordable health insurance remains a top-of-mind issue for millions of Americans. To address one of Obamacare’s many shortcomings, the Trump administration enacted a market-driven rule to increase the accessibility of short-term limited duration health plans. These plans provide a more free market oriented alternative to Obamacare and offer insurance for those in need of coverage while transitioning between jobs. However, H.R. 987 would end this commonsense rule, thereby kicking 1.5 million Americans off their insurance and prohibit the administration from enacting a similar rule. Additionally, H.R. 987 provides billions in funding for states to establish and advertise state-based marketplaces under Obamacare.
The inclusion of these controversial provisions will mean more of the same big government involvement that has caused health care costs to skyrocket in recent years. To make health care more affordable, lawmakers should work on eliminating the Obamacare taxes and excessive regulations that increase costs and limit access. In the ongoing fight for health care that puts patients first and enhances, rather than harms, our economy, there is still much to do.H.R. 987 would take the United States in the opposite direction.
While NTU opposes the underlying bill, there are bipartisan pieces of this package that deserve their own debate and consideration. We urge Representatives to oppose this bill and work toward health care solutions that benefit patients and taxpayers.
Roll call votes on H.R. 987 will be included in NTU’s annual Rating of Congress and a “NO” vote will be considered the pro-taxpayer position. NTU further urges all Representatives to vote “NO” on any amendments that would increase spending.
If you have any questions, please contact NTU Policy and Government Affairs Associate Thomas Aiello at (631) 697-4840