Griffin: ObamaCare Means "Larger Premiums, Lower Wages and Lost Coverage' for Millions of Americans

Statement

Congressman Tim Griffin (AR-02), a member of the Ways and Means Committee, issued the following statement after House passage of the Full Repeal of the Affordable Care Act (H.R. 45):

"Even senior Democrats now admit that ObamaCare is a "huge train wreck,' and that revelation came before we found out about how the IRS -- a key agency responsible for implementing the President's health care law -- targeted hardworking Americans because of their political views. And with a major implementation deadline less than 140 days away, it's no wonder that a majority of Americans fear the larger premiums, lower wages, and lost coverage that awaits them because of President Obama's top-down health care takeover. We in the House recognize that America is an exceptional nation that can overcome the flaws of our current health care system with smart and innovative solutions -- and the first step is to repeal this big, clumsy, one-size-fits-all economic albatross."

H.R. 45 represents the third full-repeal measure the House has passed since President Obama signed ObamaCare into law on March 23, 2010. It is also the 37th time the House has voted to repeal all or part of ObamaCare.

Background on the Implications of ObamaCare

Individuals and Families Will Pay More for Health Care

In March, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius admitted that premiums will increase for Americans.
The American Society of Actuaries estimates a 32 percent increase in the cost of covering people in the individual market as a result of ObamaCare.
The New York Times recently reported some states are seeing double-digit increases in health insurance premiums.

ObamaCare Threatens Job Creation, Wages, and Hours

According to a recent report/survey, 70 percent of small businesses cite ObamaCare as a major obstacle to job creation.

The USA Today and the Wall Street Journal have reported that many businesses plan to bring on more part-time workers next year, trim the hours of full-time employees or curtail hiring because of the new health care law.
The Federal Reserve recently warned, "Employers in several [Federal Reserve] Districts cited the unknown effects of the Affordable Care Act as reasons for planned layoffs and reluctance to hire more staff."

You Can't Keep the Health Plan You Have and Like

Based on two separate analyses provided by CBO and Deloitte, as many as 20 million to 65 million Americans might lose their employer-sponsored health insurance as a result of the Democrats' health care law.
Secretary Sebelius has admitted up to 24 million Americans will lose the coverage they currently have and like.
Approximately 9 in 10 seniors with retiree benefits will lose their retiree prescription drug coverage through their employer under ObamaCare.

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