Roger Marshall: “The lengths that my colleagues across the aisle are willing to go to mislead the public and increase the political…”

“The lengths that my colleagues across the aisle are willing to go to mislead the public and increase the political divide over healthcare is shameful and embarrassing. H.R. 986, which I refuse to call by its name, makes a mockery of Americans with preexisting conditions. Mr. Chairman, I practiced obstetrics for over 25 years, and do you know what the most common preexisting condition is? It is pregnancy. I came to Congress to protect people with preexisting conditions and to help patients. H.R. 986 just does the opposite. H.R. 986 prevents innovation. It drives the cost of healthcare up and will cause fewer people to have healthcare. Let me be crystal clear about this, Mr. Chairman. This bill has absolutely nothing to do with people with preexisting conditions. That is why I am proud to join Congressman Walden and shed light on this deceptive bill that the Democrats are pushing. Under current law, States do not have the authority to waive preexisting conditions using the section 1332 innovation waiver. It is that simple. Section 1332 waivers are working, and contrary to the Democrats' claims, patients are raving about the 1332 waivers for reinsurance. These waivers give States flexibility to provide Americans with affordable healthcare options. And in the seven States using these waivers, premiums have gone down by an average of 20 percent. They went down 20 percent, with Maryland achieving a 43 percent premium reduction.…”