An Alabama congressman made a rare appearance Wednesday as Democrats continued to blame Republicans for higher prices and looming insurance premium increases.
During a press conference with transgender U.S. Rep. Sarah McBride (D-Del.) and Democratic Caucus vice chairman U.S. Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.), U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures (D-Mobile) called the issue a health care crisis that will greatly impact his district, one of the poorest in the country. He said the district, which includes Montgomery and Mobile, is also among the worst for health care access and outcomes.
“I have 13 counties in my district. You can only deliver babies in two of the 13,” said Figures. “Ten of the 13 counties either have hospitals that have closed, are in the process of converting to REHs, so they don't close, or are on literal financial life support under the threat of closure.”
Figures said his district has the third-lowest life expectancy in America, adding that health care coverage is vital.
“To make the cost of health care unaffordable for people, completely unaffordable, to put it completely out of reach for people is something that is irresponsible and something that we have the ability to be able to stop because it's going to put more stress on the hospitals that we still have,” said Figures.
Health insurance premiums have increased by nearly 90% since Obamacare went into effect in 2010. Figures said the looming increase is something Republicans need to fix.
Democrats are looking for four Republicans to sign onto a discharge petition to extend the tax credit.
“I am proud to stand here with my colleagues to bring up this issue once again, yet again, something that we have been pressuring now for – since I've been here in Congress – for the better part of the last 10 or 11 months, but something that obviously Democrats have been pushing for decades,” Figures added. “And we're going to continue to wave this flag. We're going to continue to beat this drum. We're going to continue to do this on behalf of the constituents in Alabama's second congressional district and those across this country because it's the right thing to do.”
Republicans will vote next week on a package that House leaders say will reduce premiums for everyone.
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