GOP lawmakers slammed Obamacare for causing out-of-pocket costs to skyrocket and limiting access to coverage, arguing Friday’s enrollment numbers are reflective of the bill’s failures.
Roughly 9.2 million Americans signed up for Obamacare plans, approximately 400,000 less than the number that enrolled last year. (RELATED: Obamacare Enrollments Are About To Take A Huge Hit)
The dwindling numbers “only tell a fraction of Obamacare’s disappointing story,” according to House Committee on Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady.
“The success of our health care system should be measured by the quality and affordability of care Americans receive—not the number of individuals and families who are mandated by Washington to enroll in a failing program,” he said in a statement. “It’s painfully obvious that forcing Americans to buy insurance does not deliver the results they deserve. That’s why House Republicans are moving forward with reforms to deliver a robust health care marketplace — based on innovation, competition, and choice — so all Americans have access to health care options they will want, not be forced to buy.”
The Department of Health and Human Services released a statement highlighting premiums have risen by 25 percent while the number of insurance companies partaking in the exchange has dripped by 28 percent over the course of the year.
Senate Finance Chairman Orrin Hatch said the numbers signal Congress needs to take action on reforming the health care system.
“Whether families can and will pay the 25 percent average increase over last year for benchmark plans remains in question,” he said. “Either way, enrollment numbers are down and costs are up. These cost hikes are exactly the reason why Republicans are committed to repealing and replacing Obamacare.”
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