Click here to watch Senator Blunt Rochester’s full remarks and exchange with Dr. Fegan.

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, today participated in a hearing focused on our broken health care system and the high cost of care for Americans. In addition to an exchange with Dr. Claudia M. Fegan, Senator Blunt Rochester discussed her Restoring Patient Protections and Affordability Act, a bill she plans to introduce tomorrow.

To watch Senator Blunt Rochester’s full remarks and exchange with Dr. Fegan, click here. A transcript can be found below:

Senator Blunt Rochester: “We’re all here today because health care in America is unaffordable. For families, farmers, [and] small businesses. Just two weeks ago, I heard it from the [Central Delaware] Chamber of Commerce. We spent half of our meeting talking about health care. We’ve gotten thousands of letters, and emails, and calls from our constituents. And many who are concerned [that] at this very present moment, we’re on the precipice of seeing [higher health care costs]. As we pursue solutions to lower costs for hard-working families, I want to make sure we continue to hold this up as a priority and a sense of urgency that it is…

“…Just 15 years ago, a woman could be charged more than a man for health insurance just because of their gender. Fifteen years ago, those with diabetes or even asthma, could be denied coverage or charged more for insurance because of their pre-existing condition. I hear that so much from people. Insurers imposed lifetime limits, as we heard Senator Hassan talk about, on what they would pay for essential health benefits, leaving those with costly conditions exposed to significant financial strain. So, the ACA changed those things to ensure millions of people could get access to health care. That doesn’t mean it’s perfect. That doesn’t that mean we can’t make things more affordable in this country.

“My concern is that some of the proposals, are really good… But some of what is being proposed might leave patients to fend for themselves in an already complicated and overpriced health care system. If doubling or tripling in premiums wasn’t bad enough, the Trump administration has also made it easier for insurers to stick patients with more costs when they need care.

“In June, the administration changed the rules for private insurance that would increase out-of-pocket costs for 160 million Americans, including people who are covered through their employer. This change would amount to $900 more per year for a family with significant health needs. The rule would allow ACA plans to raise deductibles while covering fewer services. In other words, pay more for less. Dr. Fegan, this is currently held up in court, but could you explain how allowing insurers to raise deductibles and other out of pocked costs might impact individuals with chronic conditions?”

Dr. Fegan: “Senator, I saw patients who would tell me that, you know, they were worried about the car fare to come for a visit. And that if we scheduled a test for them on the same week that they had a visit, that I should choose between which was more important. So, I think we have a tendency to underestimate how small a charge can be impactful in terms of patients and managing their care. As I said, the study has shown that patients with copayments as low as 50 cents or a dollar made poor choices. Patients will make decisions about not getting screening tests or not show up for an appointment because they can’t afford it this week, it’s going to interfere with their rent payment, or their groceries. So, at County, we saw this on a daily basis.”

Senator Blunt Rochester: “Tomorrow, I will be introducing a bill to tackle these issues and make [health care] more affordable and… accessible. My new bill, theRestoring Patient Protection and Affordability Act, will do four things. First, it will prevent premiums from spiking by extending the ACA tax credits for three years. Second, it would eliminate red tape and unnecessary paperwork, making it easier for busy, working people who want coverage to enroll. Third, it would force insurance companies to be more transparent about eligibility options. And fourth, it would lower out-of-pocket costs for millions of Americans, including those with employer-based coverage. I urge my colleagues, as we’ve had discussion here today, and we’ve talked about different options, I urge my colleagues to look at this legislation. I think the biggest message, if nothing else comes out of this hearing, is that we are days away [from] many Americans seeing the end of open enrollment and them having to make really difficult decisions and feel the impact… The clock is ticking.”

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Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester represents Delaware in the United States Senate where she serves on the Committees on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; Commerce, Science, and Transportation; Environment and Public Works; and Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.