Westerman Responds to Efforts to Raise Insurance Premiums

WASHINGTON – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) issued the following statement in response to efforts by health insurance companies operating in Arkansas to increase premiums by as much as 23 percent:

“The announced rate increases by insurance companies proves what I and others have said for many years – the Affordable Care Act is not affordable to those paying the bills or to retirees who have paid into Medicare throughout their careers,” Westerman said. “Obamacare is driving up costs for insurance companies, all government payers, and thus taxpayers both through government fees and in the purchase of health insurance. While Obamacare provides for ‘free’ healthcare to some it is causing many hardworking individuals to choose between paying for ever-increasing premiums or medications, food, and other necessities. We must find a solution for our troubled healthcare payment system that ends Obamacare, gets the government out of the market control business, and truly puts patients first.”

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