Schakowsky statement on Republican ACA sabotage

Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, a Chief Deputy Whip, released the following statement after President Trump declared he would stop making Affordable Care Act (ACA) cost-sharing reduction payments:

“On Thursday, President Trump moved to erode the guarantee of essential benefits – from maternity care to mental health services – and protections for people with pre-existing conditions. Last night, he also announced that he will stop making ACA cost-sharing reduction payments for low-income families. According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, that move won’t just hurt low-income working families – it will increase premiums for all people buying ACA plans by an average 20 percent next year.

“Today, after dropping that bombshell on millions of health care consumers, he is probably jetting off to one of his properties to play a few rounds of golf.

“President Trump says it’s up to Congress to act. Republicans control the legislative agenda and schedule – and on Thursday, Speaker Ryan cancelled votes on Friday and sent everyone home. Instead of taking action on a step that governors and insurance commissioners from both parties have pleaded to be taken, he sent everyone home.

“Republicans in the White House and Congress are engaged in a massive ACA sabotage effort that will drive up your family’s costs. If you see higher premiums next year, remember that they will include a “Republican surcharge” that could have been easily prevented.”