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Rep. Tom Reed talks changes to Affordable Care Act

For U.S. Rep. Tom Reed, changes are necessary to the Affordable Care Act on various fronts.

However, such fixes like a Medicaid block grant program will take time as states should be able to prepare and plan, he said.

Reed, R-Corning, told reporters during a Monday conference call that new plans look to empower people, providing them with the resources to pick health coverage that’s right for them.

In order to do that, Reed said lawmakers are looking to provide refundable tax credits that would be advanceable and paid on a monthly basis so people are in a position to purchase qualified health plans that meet their needs.

Officials will also be looking to reform the health savings account so individuals would have more access to money to cover copays and out-of-pocket health care expenses. Reed said they’re also looking to create a Medicaid block grant program on a per capita basis to the states.

As they look to transition to the Medicaid block model, Reed said it’s prudent to have a glide path to 2019 or 2020 to allow states to prepare.

“We want to make sure people know that we’re moving to a health care replacement package under that 51-vote threshold in the Senate that is going to empower more people, give more choice and to preserve that safety net of Medicaid in a way that’s much more sustainable and much more tailored to individuals,” he said. “As we deal with transitioning from the Obamacare model to a post-repeal environment, it’s going to take some time. I think what the general consensus is, and I’m supportive of, is to make sure that our state capitols have the ability to go through advanced planning so populations know we’re going to do this responsibly and people don’t lose their coverage.”

While many Republicans support repealing measures, Democrats say that it’s sending health care in America backward and not forward. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., said early this month new plans would increase costs, provide fewer benefits to Americans and “put insurance companies in the driver’s seat.” Schumer called on constituents to raise their voices during town hall meetings and told Republicans to listen.

Reed has maintained his support for a few Affordable Care Act measures. Those include allowing individuals to stay on their parents’ insurance until age 26 and preventing insurers from denying coverage to those with pre-existing conditions.

“All those reforms need to go forward and we’re going to advocate to make sure they do and I’m confident they will,” he said.

Reed expects to hear more about President Donald Trump’s health care plans during his address to the Senate and Congress today.

“That’s one of his top priorities based on conversations we’ve had with the White House,” Reed said. “Health care is something I know is on everyone’s mind and is a top priority for us to take care of.”

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