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A Year Later, Affordable Care Act Still Unaffordable

June 28, 2013

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) commented on the one year anniversary of the Supreme Court's ruling that upheld the president's health care law. With full implementation less than six months away, the law will increase premium costs, lead to doctor shortage and create fewer jobs.

"One year ago today, the Supreme Court declared that Obamacare was constitutional," said Cole. "But support for that ruling is far from universal. That day was a dark one for hardworking taxpayers across the country because it meant lower quality and reduced accessibility of health care. While the Affordable Care Act promises affordability, the more we learn, the more we discover it will produce anything but low cost, high quality health care. As we near full implementation, higher insurance premiums, decline in access to quality physicians and fewer jobs are sure consequences of the law.

"Contrary to the president's promise that his plan would bring costs down, studies indicate that premiums will increase by at least 35 to 40 percent nationwide in 2014. Oklahoma, however, expects an even greater hit of 65 to 100 percent. These new costs come in addition to the tax increases hardworking Americans have already started to see on their paychecks or on the goods and services they purchase.

"I am disappointed that the law still stands and will continue to work with my colleagues to find a workable alternative that lowers costs and that improves the access and quality of our health care system."

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Issues:Healthcare