#PatientsFirst

With the King v. Burwell decision quickly approaching, our goal will remain to protect families and patients no matter the outcome. The Supreme Court is poised to rule on the legality of Obamacare’s exchange subsidies. The President’s health care law states that some individuals who receive health insurance through state-run exchanges are eligible to receive subsidies in order to make the plans affordable. There is no mention in the law, however, as to whether individuals in federally-run exchanges can receive these subsidies. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has interpreted the law to allow the federal government to offer subsides to individuals who reside in states that did not choose to create a state-run exchange. If the Supreme Court finds that the federal government is not legally authorized to offer these subsidies, health insurance costs will increase for millions of Americans.

Ohio did not set up a state-run exchange, and in the Sixteenth Congressional District, over 11,500 individuals currently receive subsidies through a federally-run exchange and they are at risk of the Court deeming their subsidies invalid. Rather than reduce the actual cost of health care, these subsidies simply hide the true costs from customers.  Obamacare has failed to make our health care system more cost effective. This is evidenced by the continuing growth in health insurance premiums due to Obamacare (which I will be examining in the Ways and Means hearing on June 23rd). In the end, we need to get back to a patient-centered health care system, and if the Court does deem the federal exchange subsidies invalid, my colleagues and I will ensure individuals who have their coverage disrupted through no fault of their own will be protected. 

Following the Court’s decision, Republicans in Congress will ensure our solution protects families from the negative effects we’ve seen as a result of Obamacare, such as rising premiums and reduced choice in the types of plans made available to them. Our common sense plan will protect families as we transition away from Obamacare to a system that puts patients back in charge, lowers costs, and provides greater access to quality care. It will also empower states to opt-out of Obamacare, and give them the flexibility and resources to more effectively lower costs and increase choices for American families. Finally, our plan will repeal Obamacare’s individual and employer mandates, the first step towards repealing the entire law and replacing it with solutions that lower costs and empower patients to choose the care that’s right for them.  Families should also rest easy in the knowledge that we will continue to make sure they are able to get coverage if they have a preexisting condition.

As a former CPA with over 25 years of experience in the health care industry, I know firsthand how destructive aspects of this health law have been. Time and time again, I’ve heard from constituents about their rising premium costs, tax increases, loss of their primary physician, and the burdens imposed on business owners. Since being elected to Congress, I have fought to restore consumer choice and reduce costs, while also consistently supporting transitioning out of Obamacare to common sense, market-centered solutions.

If you need any additional information, please visit my website at renacci.house.gov or call my Washington office: (202) 225-3876, Wadsworth office: (330) 334-0040, or Parma office: (440) 882-6779. I also encourage you to subscribe to my Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube pages to get updates on my work in Washington and the 16th District.