Senator Lankford Visits White House to Discuss Obamacare Replacement

WASHINGTON, DC – Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today released the following statement after meeting with Vice President Mike Pence and senior officials at the White House about the repeal and replacement of Obamacare: 

“Because of Obamacare, thousands of families in Oklahoma can no longer afford health insurance or the rising premiums and deductibles. Oklahoma is currently experiencing a one-year 76 percent insurance increase with only one insurer through the federal exchange, on top of a 35 percent increase from last year. Also, a staggering 6.5 million people across America were forced to pay Obamacare’s individual mandate tax in 2015 to the tune of $3 billion in penalties, simply because they did not buy, and in many cases could not afford, health coverage mandated by this failed law. Today’s meeting at the White House focused on the repeal and replacement of Obamacare in a way that provides a smooth transition to lower costs and better coverage options for everyone. We also discussed how a replacement plan can comply with complicated, but necessary, Senate rules.

“I sympathize with so many Americans that are anxious about healthcare policy uncertainties and unpredictable Washington, DC budget estimates. I call on my colleagues in Congress to engage in civil dialogue and honest analysis so we can get this right. Rather than fan the flames of hyper-partisanship and exaggerated scare tactics, we must come together as a nation to pursue affordable healthcare solutions for all.” 

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