Michael Burgess: “I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, we all know why we are here--the problems that exist within the…”

“I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, we all know why we are here--the problems that exist within the Affordable Care Act. It is simply not working for the American people--limited choice, costs going up, and millions without access to care. Unfortunately, these are not just talking points, but real issues affecting real Americans. The Affordable Care Act has damaged the individual market. It has driven insurers away from offering coverage. Now, we are seeing one- third of all United States counties with only one insurer. And among the plans that have chosen to remain in the markets, there have been widespread, double-digit premium increases. The individual markets are a death spiral and are failing to live up to the promises made 7 years ago--that Americans would be able to receive affordable health care. As we knew then, and we know now, this was an empty promise that has left an estimated 19.2 million Americans without coverage. What is worse, these individuals are forced to pay the individual mandate penalty or seek a hardship exemption because of the costs to purchase and use health insurance. Nine months ago, Mr. Speaker, we began our Better Way plan to save the Nation's healthcare system and to bring relief to the American people.…”