The Obama administration recently told the American public that they would see an increase in premiums across the 39 states that are served by the federally run online market.  The average rise will be about 25 percent, but Oklahoma will face an increase on average of 76 percent.  To make matters worse, there will only be one provider left in the market in Oklahoma next year.

The current health insurance law demonstrates yet another broken promise to the American people by President Obama.  And just like every other broken promise by the administration, it is the people who suffer.  Families who are struggling to make ends meet cannot afford to shoulder the burden of these excessive rate increases, but they have to find a way or they are faced with stiff penalties from the government.

I have fought against Obamacare since I was elected to Congress.  I think it is a reckless way to manage our healthcare system, and it has done the exact opposite of what it was promised to do.  People were promised that it would provide affordable healthcare for everyone in the country.  Instead, it has increased the price of health insurance through the roof and caused more headaches for healthcare providers.

Republicans in Congress, led by Speaker Paul Ryan, have A Better Way.  Our plan takes Washington mandates out of health insurance. I have a hard time when someone who doesn’t understand rural America tries to decide what is best for us. This plan will also make it possible to sell health insurance across state lines, much like your car insurance policies are done today.  Our Better Way empowers small businesses to negotiate better rates for their employees, giving them back their voice in the process.

Our main focus is to repeal and replace Obamacare.  We knew it was doomed from the beginning, and now it is time to change it.  Our plan protects Medicare for those who depend on it now, and makes sure it is around for future generations.

You can find our plan online at abetterway.speaker.gov.  We must keep working against Obamacare, because we cannot afford to keep seeing increase after increase to people’s premiums.  A change has to be made.

###