REP. SCOTT DESJARLAIS FIGHTING FOR LOW-COST, QUALITY HEALTH CARE FOR TENNESSEANS

TRUMP ADMINISTRATION, REPUBLICAN CONGRESS SOLVING OBAMACARE PROBLEMS, SAYS DOCTOR

WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Obamacare’s medical device tax threatens to increase patients’ health care costs and prevent life-saving innovation. Congressman Scott DesJarlais, M.D., voted this week to permanently eliminate the tax, also threatening American jobs, and to expand tax-exempt Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).

    “Democrats promised Obamacare would reduce costs and improve health care access for Tennesseans,” said Rep. DesJarlais, a doctor. “Just the opposite happened. Millions lost the insurance and doctors they liked. The law forced them into unaffordable government plans with high premiums and deductibles. Unable to afford higher prices, many chose to pay a penalty rather than participate.

    “Especially in rural areas, Obamacare resulted in hospital closures, because of consolidation. Only the largest medical providers are able to cope with complex regulations. Small businesses unable to cope shed employees and benefits, contributing to a part-time, low wage economy,” he said.

    Rep. DesJarlais (TN-04) has voted to repeal and replace Obamacare with free-market reforms that would lower health care costs, expand patient access and improve quality, such as eliminating federal mandates and taxes, increasing economic opportunity, and encouraging responsible saving.

    He and Republicans in Congress repealed Obamacare’s individual mandate in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The mandate compelled Tennesseans to buy expensive insurance or pay a fine. Tax reform is creating more job opportunities and take-home pay for Tennesseans, explained Rep. DesJarlais. “More people are earning an income and gaining insurance coverage,” he said.

    “The average family will save over $2,000 this year, not counting bonuses and other benefits companies are offering. Next year, Obamacare’s penalty will be gone. The Trump Administration has made other important changes.”

    Rep. DesJarlais mentioned an executive order instating Association Health Plans, permitting small businesses and other organizations to join across state lines to negotiate better terms with insurance companies, as large companies do. Bills to expand HSA contributions and allowable expenses, including over-the-counter medicine, passed the House of Representatives today. A bill to permanently eliminate the medical device tax passed yesterday.

    “Adding taxes to medical devices Tennesseans need to survive makes no sense. Encouraging families to save for health costs makes a lot more. I voted to remove Obamacare’s restrictions on simple drug purchases today,” said Rep. DesJarlais, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, overseeing rural health initiatives. “Dozens of Democrats joined Republicans in our effort.

    “I hope more help us to make progress for the sake of our constituents, suffering Obamacare’s consequences.”

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