Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover) today issued the following statement on the Supreme Court’s decision in King v. Burwell. “In a recent split decision, the Supreme Court reaffirmed elements of the so-called Affordable Care Act, more commonly known as "Obamacare." Numerous families and businesses across the 97th District have experienced the negative impacts of Obamacare, including the punitive impacts of higher taxes, businesses creating fewer full-time jobs, health care plans that have been cancelled, skyrocketing premiums and higher out-of-pocket costs. As many as, if not more than, 250,000 Virginians had health care plans they enjoyed cancelled under Obamacare. Moreover, Virginia premiums are expected to increase by 11 to 14% this year. 10 out of 19 insurance companies have reported increases of more than 10%. Premiums have increased in Virginia by as much as 67% in some cases since 2013. The Court’s decision only serves to reinforce these adverse conditions. Instead, I stand with the people of our district to continue to protect Virginians from these negative effects of Obamacare.
“During my service, I have led budget efforts to strengthen our health care safety net without expanding our broken Medicaid system here in Virginia. I have also championed several potential solutions to our broken health care system. For example, I introduced the Virginia Health Care Compact which would give the state more flexibility with its Medicaid program through federal block grants. Along with former Senator Cuccinelli, I filed and fought for legislation to allow Virginians the ability for interstate purchase of health insurance where persons could purchase less expensive plans from other states without the heavy burdens of mandated benefits.
“Regardless of the Court's opinion, our Congress stands on the front lines to repeal and replace The Affordable Care Act which remains deeply flawed. We as state lawmakers must do all we can to keep health care costs under control, provide flexibility to families and encourage businesses to create jobs.”