House GOP meeting will tout ACA replacement plan
House Republicans have scheduled a hearing this week to highlight problems in the Affordable Care Act and tout their replacement plan.
The hearing, titled “The Affordable Care Act on Shaky Ground: Outlook and Oversight,” is being held jointly by the House Energy and Commerce subcommittees on health and oversight and investigations.
The ACA and its health insurance exchange market in particular have been under scrutiny recently as three major insurers have said they are significantly cutting back participation. Reports of steep increases to premiums are also rolling in.
HHS has said consumers who receive subsidies will still find coverage affordable, with most paying $75 or less a month.
House Republicans have released a healthcare plan as part of an initiative that calls for repealing the ACA and using individual tax credits to help people buy coverage in the individual market. It also suggests expanding access to health savings accounts, using high-risk pools and turning Medicaid in a state block grant program.
A news release from the committees states that the hearing will examine reports from the Government Accountability Office and HHS’ Office of Inspector General.
“When it comes to healthcare nowadays, American families continue to face higher costs, yet have fewer choices. They deserve better,” said Rep. Tim Murphy (R-Pa.), chairman of the Energy and Commerce oversight and investigations panel, adding that he wants the “administration accounts for misspent taxpayer dollars.”